Lisinopril Side Effects: What Are They
One hundred million American adults are struggling to manage their high blood pressure, and if youre one of them, youve likely been told by your doctor that it’s time to make some significant lifestyle changes, like eating right and exercising more. For some people, lifestyle changes are enough to lower blood pressure on their own, but others may require treatment with medication like an ACE inhibitor or beta-blocker in addition to lifestyle changes. High blood pressure is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the United States and is considered a silent killer because many people have no symptoms and do not know they have high blood pressure until it is too late. If youre considering taking lisinopril in conjunction with living a healthy lifestyle to manage your high blood pressure, heres what you need to know.
Amiodarone 200 Mg For Atrial Fibrillation
I have taking Amiodarone 200mg for about 35 days for my AF .However, I still get irregular occasional especially after taking hot food. The improvement to my condition is marginal. Can anyone advise me if I should continue with Amiodarone. Also,I have been on warfarin for the past 3 years . Due to the interaction of Amiodarone with Warfarin, my doctor has reduced my Warfarin dosage from 4.5 to 3.5 to maintain my INR between 2 to 3.
Dosage For Heart Attack
For reducing the risk of death after a heart attack, the recommended starting dosage of lisinopril is 5 mg. Youll get another 5-mg dose 24 hours later. After another 24 hours, youll get one 10-mg dose. Youll then continue taking 10 mg once per day for at least 6 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of lisinopril if you have hypotension after your heart attack.
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How Lisinopril Oral Tablet Works
Lisinopril is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to:
- treat hypertension in adults and in children ages 6 years and older. Lisinopril may be used alone or with other medications for this condition.
- treat heart failure in adults. For this purpose, lisinopril is given as an add-on treatment with other drugs.
- reduce the risk in adults for dying after a heart attack. Lisinopril is taken with other drugs for this use.
Lisinopril For High Blood Pressure
Your heart needs constant supply of blood and oxygen to work correctly. The nutrients your heart needs are supplied by blood vessels, which can stretch and tighten to accommodate more or less fluid.
When your blood vessels tighten, your blood pressure can increase. A hormone made by your body, called angiotensin II, sends signals telling your blood vessels to tighten. In addition, angiotensin II causes your body to hold on to more water and salt, which also raises your blood pressure.
Lisinoprils mechanism of action for treating high blood pressure is that it blocks the action of a protein called angiotensin converting enzyme . By blocking ACE, lisinopril reduces the amount of angiotensin II your body makes. This can help lower your blood pressure.
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What Are The Side Effects
Possible ones include:
Cough: If this persists or is severe, contact your doctor. Ask what type of cough medicine you can use to ease it.
Red, itchy skinrash: If you have this, donât treat the rash yourself. Call your doctor.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness when you get up: This may be strongest after your first dose, especially if youâve been taking a water pill . Get up more slowly. If it keeps up, reach out to your medical team.
Salty or metallic taste, or a decreased ability to taste: This usually goes away as you continue taking the medicine.
Physical symptoms: Call your doctor if you have:
Lisinopril For Heart Attack
With a heart attack, blood flow to certain areas of the heart is cut off. A lack of blood flow can damage your heart, making it weaker and unable to work properly.
Symptoms of a heart attack may include:
- pain, pressure, or tightness, in your chest
- pain that spreads into your arms, back, neck, or jaw
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- nausea
Lisinopril works to widen your blood vessels. This means your heart doesnt have to work as hard to pump blood through your body. This helps your heart heal after a heart attack and prevents it from working too hard.
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Lisinopril Oral Tablet And Pregnancy
Lisinopril oral tablets are not safe to use while pregnant. This is because drugs such as lisinopril can cause harm to a fetus or miscarriage if used during pregnancy.
Lisinopril has a boxed warning about this effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration . A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
For this reason, you should not take lisinopril while pregnant, and you should stop taking lisinopril if you become pregnant during your treatment. If youre pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about safer options for treating your condition.
If you become pregnant while taking lisinopril, its very important that you tell your doctor right away. Theyll have you stop taking the drug, and they can recommend other treatments instead.
Side Effects Not Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Some side effects of lisinopril may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- inability to have or keep an erection
- lack or loss of strength
- loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- rash
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
Applies to lisinopril: oral solution, oral tablet
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Atrial Fibrillation And Warfarin
I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation about a year ago and have been treated with Bisoprolol and Aspirin. This seems to be working for me but have been advised by my doctor to go onto warfarin as I am at medium risk of a stroke. I don’t want to change anything at the moment whilst the present medication seems to be working because I have heard some negative reports of warfarin – not only the side effects of hair loss etc. and giving up various foods but also the fact that you have to tell your doctor about practically any changes in what you eat and where you go . This seems very restrictive. Could I please have your experiences of taking Warfarin.
Lisinopril Oral Tablet Use With Other Drugs
Depending on the condition its prescribed to treat, you may use lisinopril alone or with other drugs.
For example, for treating hypertension , you may take lisinopril alone. But in some cases, your doctor may also prescribe another blood pressure medication that works differently than lisinopril, such as hydrochlorothiazide. For some people, using more than one drug works better to treat high blood pressure.
For treating heart failure and for reducing the risk of dying after a heart attack, lisinopril is used with other drugs. Medications commonly used with lisinopril for treating heart failure include beta-blockers, and diuretics. Medications commonly used with lisinopril after a heart attack include beta-blockers, statins, and blood thinners.
If you have questions about using lisinopril with other drugs, talk with your doctor.
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What About Medicine Interactions
If you use 2 or more medicines at the same time, the way your body processes each one can change. When this happens, the risk of side effects from each medicine increases. Each medicine may not work the way it should. Be sure your doctor knows all of the medicines you are taking. These include over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Also ask your doctor whether you need to avoid any foods or drinks while using your blood pressure medicine. For example, people taking certain CCBs may need to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice.
Lisinopril Side Effects Can Be Lethal
How do you keep your blood pressure under control? Managing blood pressure is an important pillar for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of strokes or heart disease. Regular exercise, a diet high in healthful vegetables and fruits and ways to relax and manage stress can help. But sometimes people need blood pressure medication to get hypertension into bounds. Lisinopril is one of the most popular prescription pills for hypertension, but what about lisinopril side effects?
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Are Losartan Vs Lisinopril The Same
Although both medications work on the renin-angiotensin system, they work on different areas of the system, but both medications lower blood pressure and are used for other heart or kidney conditions. They also have other differences in dosing, warnings, and price.
Other common ACE inhibitors you may have heard of include Lotensin , Vasotec , Accupril , and Altace .
Other ARBs you may have heard of include Edarbi , Atacand , Avapro , Micardis , Diovan , and Benicar .
Lisinopril Oral Tablet Interactions
Lisinopril oral tablet can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements.
Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.
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Heart Rhythm : : Heart Palpitation And Skipped Beats
I’m a 32 year old female and about a year ago I started with what felt like skipped beats so I went to the doctor who listened to my heart and said it sounded ok so she sent me for a 24 hour heart monitor which showed my heart beating faster than it should at times and also in places there was extra beats which she said would of been what I felt as skipped beats, anyway she said they seemed to be benign but is sending me to a cardiologist to see if there are any mess to control it as it happens daily and just recently I’ve started to get a feeling a bit like my heart is vibrating but I only notice it when I’m sat down doing nothing. Does anyone else have this problem? I feel like I’m going made and it’s taking over my life it’s all I seem to think about now.
Warnings Of Losartan And Lisinopril
Losartan and lisinopril both come with a boxed warning, which is the strongest warning as required by the FDA. Drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system can cause serious fetal injury/birth defects or death and should be discontinued once pregnancy is established.
Other warnings that apply to losartan and lisinopril:
- Patients who are dehydrated or take diuretics may develop low blood pressure .
- Changes in renal function, including acute renal failure, may occur. The risk is higher in patients with kidney problems or severe heart failure. These patients may not be a candidate for an ACE inhibitor or ARB. If one of these drugs is started, kidney function should be monitored.
- Potassium levels should be monitored.
Lisinopril has additional warnings:
- There is a possibility of an anaphylactic reaction , including angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis, and/or larynx. This reaction can occur anytime during treatment. Angioedema associated with laryngeal edema may be fatal. Where there is involvement of the tongue, glottis or larynx, likely to cause airway obstruction, emergency treatment is necessary. Lisinopril should be discontinued if these reactions occur.
- There is a small risk of liver problems liver enzymes should be monitored.
- Due to the breakdown of a substance called bradykinin, a dry cough may occur. Once the medication is stopped, the cough should go away.
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How Does Lisinopril Interact With Alcohol
Alcohol and lisinopril both cause low blood pressure. When alcohol and lisinopril are combined, they can cause blood pressure to drop to a dangerous point and cause dizziness. When blood pressure drops too low, there is an increased risk of fainting. If patients feel dizzy on lisinopril without alcohol, they should avoid combining it with alcohol.
In some patients, combining alcohol and lisinopril can also make blood pressure higher. Combining the two can cause heart failure to worsen in people who have this condition.
Both lisinopril and alcohol consumption can lead to increased blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels, if untreated, can lead to severe complications, including increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of developing a potentially deadly condition called hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome .
How To Take Lisinopril
This dosage information is for lisinopril oral tablet. All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your doctor will tell you what dosage is right for you. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:
- your age
- how severe your condition is
- other medical conditions you have
- how you react to the first dose
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Angioedema Of The Abdomen:
Many physicians are aware that ACE inhibitors can cause angioedema in the lips, mouth and throat. Lisinopril side effects are not restricted to the upper airways, though. An equally serious c0mplication that often goes misdiagnosed for weeks or months involves angioedema of the abdomen . It too can be life threatening if the bowels become obstructed. Here is one story to help you understand the gravity of this condition:
Monique in Missouri was rushed to the hospital with abdominal angioedema:
Lisinopril Oral Tablet And Other Medications
Below is a list of medications that can interact with lisinopril oral tablet. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with lisinopril oral tablet.
Before taking lisinopril oral tablet, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
You should not take lisinopril with the drug sacubitril, which is found in sacubitril/valsartan . Taking sacubitril/valsartan with lisinopril may raise your risk for angioedema, which is severe, sudden swelling that forms under your skin.
People taking lisinopril who have diabetes should not take aliskiren with lisinopril. Taking these drugs together raises your risk for side effects from either drug, especially in people with diabetes.
Medications that can interact with lisinopril include:
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What To Do In Case You Take Too Much Lisinopril Oral Tablet
If you think youve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
This drug comes with several precautions.
Can Lisinopril Cause Problems
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with lisinopril. You will find a full list in the manufacturer’s information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
| Common lisinopril side-effects | What can I do if I experience this? |
| Feeling light-headed or dizzy, especially when standing up | Getting up more slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing. If this continues beyond the first few days, speak with your doctor. Do not drive and do not use tools or machines while you feel dizzy |
| Feeling sick or being sick , diarrhoea | Stick to simple foods – avoid rich and spicy meals |
| Dry irritating cough | If this continues, speak with your doctor, as a different medicine may suit you better |
| Headache | Drink plenty of water and ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headaches continue, let your doctor know |
| Kidney problems | Your doctor will monitor you for this |
Important: if you experience any of the following rare but serious symptoms, stop taking lisinopril and contact your doctor for advice straightaway:
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Can Lisinopril Oral Tablets Be Crushed Split Or Chewed
It depends. In most cases, the tablets may be crushed, split, or chewed.
But there are several manufacturers of lisinopril oral tablets. To make sure the lisinopril tablets youre prescribed can be crushed, split, or chewed, talk with your pharmacist or doctor first.
If your tablets cant be crushed, split, or chewed, your doctor or pharmacist can recommend other treatments that may be easier for you to take. This may include other forms of lisinopril.
Do not use more Lisinopril oral tablet than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose, such as hypotension .
Is Losartan Or Lisinopril More Effective
In a review of 61 studies comparing ARBs to ACE inhibitors , both categories of drugs were found to have similar long-term effects on blood pressure. The authors also concluded that both classes of drugs have an equivalent effect on death, cardiovascular events, major adverse events, quality of life, and risk factors such as lipid levels, diabetes mellitus, and left ventricular mass and function.
In a small study of patients with kidney disease, losartan and lisinopril had similar effects on kidney function and blood pressure.
The most effective medication for you should be determined by your doctor, who can look at the full picture of your medical condition, history, and other medications you are taking.
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