Side Effects for Lisinopril Tabs

Lisinopril is a popular medication prescribed by physicians to combat high blood pressure in adults and some elderly patients. It works by blocking the chemical reactions that cause blood vessels to constrict, therefore reducing the amount of pressure needed to push blood throughout the body. In an otherwise healthy person, Lisinopril is an excellent way to control hypertension and increase life expectancy. As with all medications, however, there are some precautionary measures that should be taken.

Definition and Dosage

• Lisinospril is classified as both an anti-hypertensive drug and ACE inhibitor. It is prescribed to be simultaneously a blood pressure medication and also used to lower cholesterol. Lisinopril is mainly given to those in danger of a possible blockage in an artery. This drug is available only in tablet form in doses ranging from 2 1/2 mg to 40 mg. At this time this medication is safe only for adults to take and should not be given to children.

Side Effects

• Lisinopril's side effects include headache, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, itchy skin or rash, hypo-tension or low blood pressure, heart palpitations, nausea, diarrhea, peptic ulcers, mild jaundice, constipation, renal insufficiency, renal failure, dry mouth, cough and impotence. Of these side effects the most important to pay attention to and monitor are low blood pressure, heart palpitations and renal failure.

Precautions

• Because Lisinopril will cause fluid loss and a reduction in sodium, it should be used with extreme caution in people with kidney disease or other kidney ailments. A smaller dosage should be administered in these situations; care should also be taken with the elderly as well.

  Pregnant women should not take Lisinopril because it will cross the placenta wall and enter the breast milk as well.

Interactions with Other Medications

• Taking Lisinopril with NSAIDs or anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen will reduce the drug's ability to lower blood pressure. In addition, if it is taken with certain antibiotics, it could cause a cough to worsen or airways to become obstructed. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are considering taking Lisinopril with either NSAIDs or anti-inflammatory medications.

Length of Side Effects

• The general side effects of nausea, vomiting, and other stomach ailments should generally disappear within about a week of first starting the medication. However, when cases of low blood pressure are reported prior to taking the medicine, any signs of heart palpitations, or even lower blood pressure should be reported to a doctor to be sure that the dosage is correct and there are no chances for an allergic reaction to the medication. Any other symptom occurring for longer than a week after beginning the medication should immediately be reported to a doctor.