Why is this medication prescribed ?

Lisinopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Lisinopril is also used to improve survival after a heart attack. Lisinopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.  

How should this medicine be used ?

Lisinopril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take lisinopril, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lisinopril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of lisinopril and gradually increase your dose. Lisinopril controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Continue to take lisinopril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lisinopril without talking to your doctor.  

What special precautions i should follow ?

Before taking lisinopril, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lisinopril, enalapril (Vasotec), benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin); diuretics (water pills); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease; diabetes; lupus; scleroderma; or angioedema, a condition that causes difficulty swallowing or breathing and painful swelling of the the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking lisinopril. you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.  

What special dietary instructions should i follow ?

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.  

What side effects can this medicine cause ?

Lisinopril may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: cough dizziness headache excessive tiredness upset stomach diarrhea weakness sneezing runny nose decrease in sexual ability rash Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately: swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs hoarseness difficulty breathing or swallowing fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection yellowing of the skin or eyes lightheadedness fainting chest pain Lisinopril may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.  

What storage conditions are needed for this medication ?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.  

What other information should i know ?

 

What should i do if i forget a dose ?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.