What are the Side Effects of Lisinopril?

Virtually every medication, whether it's prescription, over the counter (OTC) or supplemental, has potential side effects. Lisinopril, the hypertension medication, is no exception. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a serious cardiovascular condition that affects one in four adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and it can be treated successfully with prescription drugs.

Function

• Lisinopril is a drug belonging to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medicine class, which helps to relax the blood vessels in our bodies. This ACE-inhibiting property of Lisinopril is the main reason for its effectiveness in treating high blood pressure. Lisinopril relaxes the blood vessels causing them to widen and thus decrease the force of blood pressure against the vessel walls. When blood pressure is too high, the likelihood of a stroke or heart failure developing increases dramatically. Even though Lisinopril helps to decrease the onset of a stroke and heart failure, potential side effects may occur.

Effects on Pregnancy

• Lisinopril should not be taken by women who are pregnant, who think they may be pregnant or who are trying to become pregnant. This medicine is harmful and potentially fatal to unborn children. While no determination has been made as to whether or not Lisinopril can be passed into breast milk, women who take the drug should not breast-feed their children.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal side effects are common with Lisinopril use. When Lisinopril treatments begin diarrhea and nausea are the most common side effects. If your diarrhea lasts longer than three days, consult your doctor because prolonged bouts of diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Nausea sometimes can be avoided if the medication is taken with food; however, if nausea persists for longer than a week your physician should be contacted.

Effects to the Liver

• One very rare but serious and potentially fatal side effect of Lisinopril is liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage include: dark urine, persistent fatigue, jaundice, nausea and stomach/abdominal pain. If any combination of these symptoms occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Any delay in seeking medical assistance may result in liver failure.

Additional Side Effects

• Dizziness, fatigue, dry cough, and lightheadedness are all common side effects of Lisinopril. These side effects typically are the result of your body trying to adjust to the medication and should diminish once your body is accustomed to taking Lisinopril. Other serious but rare side effects are: chest pain, changes in the amount of urine produced, decreased sexual ability, signs of infection or loss of vision. Contact your doctor if any of these symptoms appear.

Drug Interactions

• It is important to advise the doctor who prescribed Lisinopril of all medications you take because certain drugs and supplements taken with Lisinopril may interfere with the overall effectiveness of your treatment. Diuretics that affect potassium levels and potassium supplements need to be monitored by your doctor while you take Lisinopril as this drug may raise the potassium levels in your blood. Too much potassium in the blood can cause damage to the heart. Sodium and epinephrine (adrenaline) are natural blood pressure accelerators and can be found in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and OTC cold and flu medications. These medicines will increase your blood pressure and lessen the effect Lisinopril treatment has on your hypertension.

Additional Considerations

• If these or any side effects arise after you start Lisinopril treatment, contact your doctor immediately. Even though some of the side effects potentially can be serious, they rarely are. Your doctor has prescribed Lisinopril treatment for you because the risks associated with hypertension are not rare and if left untreated will likely result in stroke and heart or kidney failure.