What should you know about high blood pressure medicine lisinopril?

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. It reduces signals that narrow blood vessels, allowing the vessels to relax and lowering the pressure the heart pumps against. It may also be selected when a clinician is considering protection for the heart or kidneys in a person with Hypertension. The medicine is not suitable for everyone; pregnancy, previous swelling linked to an ACE inhibitor, kidney problems and some other medicines need special discussion. A dry cough can occur and should be reported if persistent.

Take lisinopril exactly as prescribed, at a consistent time, and do not change or stop it without advice. Your clinician may check blood pressure, kidney function and potassium after starting or changing the dose. Tell them about dehydration, vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney disease, pregnancy or plans for pregnancy. Check before using salt substitutes, potassium supplements, anti-inflammatory pain medicines or other blood pressure treatments. Keep a record of home readings and symptoms. Lisinopril may be used as part of care for conditions such as Heart Failure, but the complete plan must be individualised.

Get emergency help for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, fainting, chest pain, sudden one-sided weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking or a sudden severe headache. Swelling can be a serious medicine reaction; the neurological symptoms may indicate Stroke. Contact your prescriber promptly for persistent dizziness, a troublesome cough, marked weakness, much less urine or repeated high readings. Do not take an extra dose to correct a reading.

Ask when your kidney and potassium checks are due, what to do during vomiting or diarrhoea, which pain medicines to avoid, and whether a cough or dizziness needs a review. If pregnancy is possible, ask about a suitable alternative before taking the next dose.