What should you know about lisinopril for hypertension?

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. It reduces signals that narrow blood vessels and retain salt, allowing blood to move through the vessels with less pressure. It may also be prescribed when hypertension occurs alongside heart failure or kidney disease. High blood pressure often causes no clear symptoms, so feeling well does not show whether treatment is working. Blood-pressure readings and blood tests provide the useful checks.

Take it at the same time each day as directed and follow the prescribed dose. If you miss a dose, follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist rather than doubling the next one. Keep appointments for blood-pressure checks and tests of kidney function and potassium, particularly after starting or changing treatment. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, vomiting or diarrhoea, kidney problems, and medicines or supplements that affect blood pressure or potassium. Limit salt as advised and do not stop treatment because a reading improves.

Get urgent help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or for breathing difficulty. Contact a clinician promptly for fainting, marked weakness, very little urine, severe vomiting or diarrhoea, or an irregular heartbeat. Chest pressure, sudden weakness on one side, facial drooping, or trouble speaking requires emergency care because these can indicate a heart attack or stroke.

What blood-pressure range are we aiming for? When should I repeat kidney and potassium tests? What should I do during an illness with poor fluid intake? Could any of my current medicines interact with lisinopril?