How High Blood Pressure Treatment Can Help
Doctors treat high blood pressure in many different ways, some of which I’ve covered in previous columns, like being careful not to eat too much salt. In addition to lifestyle changes, multiple blood pressure medications called anti-hypertensive agents can be used to treat the disease and prevent progression and complications.
All blood pressure medications lower your blood pressure, but drugs like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers also lower heart rate. And some, like diuretics, lower fluid levels in the body and can decrease edema . Still others, such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers , can impact the body’s inflammatory response and decrease fibrosis or cell breakdown.
Drug Interactions With Lisinopril
There is a wide range of drugs lisinopril is known to interact with. Some interactions are insignificant, but others can trigger mild to severe reactions. Using lisinopril if youre already taking medication for high blood pressure, for example, could result in an excessive drop in blood pressure. Below are some of the main drug interactions to watch out for :
This isnt a full list of drugs that can interact with lisinopril. Beyond drug interactions, avoid taking any potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium while using lisinopril.
As weve established, there are many risk factors for developing hypertension, including diabetes, a family history of high blood pressure, obesity, and lack of physical activityto name a few . There are also a number of steps you can take to improve your heart health, and lower your risk for hypertension. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Keep physically active to help achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Stay away from smoking, and cut back on how much alcohol you drink. Making changes like these now can help prevent health problems in the future. Talk to a healthcare provider before taking lisinopril, or if you experience any adverse or unexpected reactions while on the medication.
Financial And Insurance Assistance
Financial assistance to help you pay for lisinopril oral tablets may be available.
Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites offering resources that may help decrease the price you pay for lisinopril. They also offer tools to help you find low-cost healthcare, as well as educational resources. To learn more, visit their sites.
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Angiotensin Ii Receptor Blockers
These drugs block the effects of angiotensin, a chemical that causes the arteries to become narrow. Angiotensin needs a receptor- like a chemical “slot” to fit into or bind with- in order to constrict the blood vessel. ARBs block the receptors so the angiotensin fails to constrict the blood vessel. This means blood vessels stay open and blood pressure is reduced.
| Generic name |
Some noted possible side effects of Angiotensin II receptor blockers:
- May cause occasional dizziness.
- ARBs should not be used during pregnancy.Medications that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury or even death to a developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected, consult your healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Dosage For Adjuvant Treatment Of Heart Failure
When lisinopril is used as an adjuvant treatment for heart failure, the recommended starting dose is 5 mg taken once per day. But if you have low blood sodium levels, your doctor may have you start with a dose of 2.5 mg taken once a day.
Over time, your doctor will increase your dose. Theyll try to get you to the maximum dose of 40 mg if you dont have bothersome side effects and if lisinopril seems to be working for you.
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How Do Ace Inhibitors Work
To understand how ACE inhibitors work, lets address the ACE component first, then the inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme, a molecular machine that creates the chemical, angiotensin II, which causes your blood vessels to constrict and your blood pressure to rise.
This is where the inhibitor drug comes in. By blocking the activity of ACE, your body doesnt make as much angiotensin II, causing your blood vessels to relax and your blood pressure to decrease.
Sexual Dysfunction As A Side Effect Of Prinivil Use
According to a study, sexual dysfunction is one of the side effects of Lisinopril. Since the drug belongs to the drug class that increases blood flow throughout the body, the onset of Lisinopril erectile dysfunction is very rare. Only 1% of patients may experience Prinivil ED as a side effect. This may also be experienced as a result of Prinivil interactions with certain other drugs such as antihistamines or antidepressants.
- Lisinopril Side Effects in Men Priapism, delayed ejaculation and orgasm, reduced libido, and reduced sexual satisfaction.
- Lisinopril Side Effects in Women Vaginal dryness, difficulty achieving arousal. reduced libido, and reduced sexual satisfaction.
Indeed, both men and women who use this medication may experience sexual dysfunction. Although these side effects may be bothersome, Prinivil only causes a temporary decline in sexual activity. Moreover, sexual activity interest will gradually recover after 4 weeks.
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What Are Potential Side Effects Of Beta
Side effects of beta-blockers could include:
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Low blood pressure, especially when standing up
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Fatigue
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Depression
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Heart failure
Some patients report feeling tired, drained, and not like themselves when starting a beta-blocker, but as long as you take it as prescribed, this feeling should go away after about 2 weeks.
Beta-blockers are a standard component of heart failure treatment, but ironically, they can also cause heart failure symptoms to get worse. If your symptoms suddenly take a turn for the worst, your doctor may tell you to stop taking your beta-blocker temporarily. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of stopping.
Non-cardioselective beta-blockers have a few other side effects you should be aware of because they affect the lungs. These drugs can make breathing more difficult, so patients with breathing conditions like asthma and COPD should only take cardioselective beta-blockers.
Your doctor will help you figure out whether an ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker, both, or neither would be best for you based on your medical history and any other medications you take.
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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Surprising Health Benefits Of Lisinopril Besides Treating Blood Pressure
One of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States is lisinopril, a blood pressure medication thats been around for nearly three decades. Lisinopril relaxes the blood vessels and lower blood pressure by blocking the production of a hormone called angiotensin II. But as it turns out, lisinopril has many additional upsides for you.
Here are eight really cool things about outside of treating high blood pressure:
What Are The Side Effects Of Lisinopril
Lisinopril, part of a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors, effectively treats cardiovascular conditionsincluding high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attacksbut also has a wide range of potential side effects to be aware of .
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The most common one is a dry or chronic cougha signature side effect of ACE inhibitors . If you are older, female, or are taking medications to lower cholesterol, you may be more likely to develop a cough, which is also cited as the main reason people stop taking these drugs . Other regularly reported side effects include dizziness, chest pain, headaches, fainting, and fatigue.
Serious reactions dont happen as often, but can quickly evolve into severe or life-threatening situations. Here are the most important ones to note :
If you have an underlying health condition, talk to a healthcare provider before taking either of these medications as some conditions can increase your risk for side effects.
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Warnings For People With Certain Health Conditions
For people with kidney disease: If you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, you have a higher risk for having certain serious side effects from this drug. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function and adjust your medication as needed. Your doctor should start you on a lower dose of this drug.
For people with diabetes: This drug can affect your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may need to change your dose of your diabetes medications. Your doctor will tell you how often to test your blood sugar levels.
Combination Ace Inhibitor And Beta
Doctors regularly prescribe ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers together. You might need an ACE inhibitor and a beta-blocker if:
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Your blood pressure is very high and hard to control.
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You have chronic heart failure.
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Youve had a heart attack in the past or are at high risk for having one.
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You are at high risk for having a stroke.
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What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Lisinopril
You should not use lisinopril if you are allergic to it, or if you:
- have a history of angioedema
- recently took a heart medicine called sacubitril or
- are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.
Do not take lisinopril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril .
If you have diabetes, do not use lisinopril together with any medication that contains aliskiren .
You may also need to avoid taking lisinopril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease
- liver disease or
- high levels of potassium in your blood.
Do not use if you are pregnant, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Lisinopril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Lisinopril Is An Important Nutrient
Lisinopril and high blood pressure have been associated with beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. The supplement has been shown to help lower LDL cholesterol, which is a primary source of plaque buildup in the arteries and leads to atherosclerosis. As well, lisinopril is a potent inhibitor of the adhesive molecules known as A1b. In other words, it works to prevent the cholesterol stuck in the arteries from hardening into plaque.
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How To Take And Store
How To Take Lisinopril
Lisinopril can be taken with food or on its own. Do not crush the tablet swallow it whole with liquid.
If you were prescribed the liquid form, youll receive a syringe to help you measure the precise dosage. If you are unsure about how to measure your dosage, be sure to talk to your nurse, the pharmacist, or another healthcare provider.
What Are Ace Inhibitors And Beta
ACE inhibitors work by preventing a natural body substance called angiotensin I from converting into angiotensin II, which cases blood vessels to narrow and constrict. By preventing this change, the blood vessels remain relaxed and blood pressure decreases.
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, block norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to beta receptors on nerves. This helps reduce the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
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Fda Warning: Risks If Used During Pregnancy
Lisinopril has a boxed warning . 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.
Risks if used during pregnancy. Drugs such as lisinopril can cause harm to a fetus or miscarriage if used during pregnancy. 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.
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.
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Side Effects: Lisinopril And Hydrochlorothiazide
Lisinopril is frequently prescribed with diuretics, or water pills. Diuretics help treat high blood pressure by removing excess fluid from your body through your pee. Hydrochlorothiazide , also known under the brand name Zestoretic, is a diuretic often used in tandem with lisinopril . Here are the most common side effects of this combination medication :
- Dizziness
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Rash
- Erectile dysfunction
Research: Ace Inhibitors Lower Risk Of Heart Block
With these unique aspects of blood pressure medications in mind, and knowing that high blood pressure can result in early conduction system disease, researchers asked which medications might lower blood pressure and also decrease risk of conduction system disease.
The Antihypertensive and Lipid Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial included 21,004 patients ages 55 and older who had high blood pressure and one other heart disease risk factor, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, coronary artery disease, or a history of smoking. The patients were either treated with an ACE inhibitor lisinopril a calcium channel blocker, Norvasc or a diuretic, Thalitone and a statin drug, Pravachol for their high cholesterol. ALLHAT results were published in JAMA Internal Medicine in June 2016.
Researchers followed the patients for up to eight years to look for heart disease and found that 1,114 people developed heart block. These included 570 patients with a complete right bundle branch block, and 389 with a complete left bundle branch block.
Being older increased the risk of developing conduction system disease by 47 percent in this group of patients with high blood pressure, and was the strongest predictor that they would develop a heart block.
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Overviews Of The Classes Of Blood Pressure Medications
Summaries of some of the major types of commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications are provided here.
- For your information and reference, we have included generic names as well as major trade names to help you identify what you may be taking. However, this information does not signify a recommendation or endorsement from the American Heart Association.
- If your prescription medication isnt on this list, remember that your healthcare provider and pharmacist are your best sources of information.
- It’s important to discuss all of the drugs you take with your doctor and understand their desired effects and possible side effects.
- Never stop taking a medication and never change your dose or frequency without first consulting your doctor.
Lisinopril Oral Tablet For High Blood Pressure
Lisinopril is prescribed to treat hypertension in adults and in children ages 6 years and older.
Your heart needs a 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.
Lisinopril treats high blood pressure by blocking the action of a protein called angiotensin converting enzyme . By blocking ACE, lisinopril reduces the amount of angiotensin II that your body makes. This can help lower your blood pressure.
Effectiveness for high blood pressure
If you have questions about how well lisinopril may work for you, talk with your doctor.
For more information on how the drug performed in studies, see lisinoprils prescribing information.
According to clinical guidelines, ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril are one of four preferred drug classes for treating high blood pressure in most adults. Your doctor can determine which medication will work best for you based on your needs.
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Will Lisinopril Lower My Heart Rate
No, lisinopril should not lower your heart rate. This effect wasnt seen in clinical studies.
Depending on the condition youre using lisinopril to treat, other medications you take with lisinopril may lower your heart rate. For example, people with heart failure are usually also prescribed a beta-blocker, which are medications that lower your heart rate.
If you have questions or concerns about how your treatment may affect your heart rate, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.