What are the reasons for prescribing this drug?
Lisinopril is prescribed for the management of elevated blood pressure in individuals aged 6 and above, either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other medications. Additionally, it is utilized alongside other medications for the tackling of heart failure, and to enhance post-heart attack survival rates. Lisinopril belongs to a group of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which function to reduce specific chemicals responsible for constricting blood vessels, promoting smoother blood flow and more effective blood pumping by the heart.
Elevated blood pressure is a widely prevalent issue that, if left untreated, can lead to detrimental effects on the mind, cardiovascular system, vascular network, renal system, and various bodily systems. Harm inflicted on these vital organs may result in cardiac conditions, myocardial infarction, cardiac insufficiency, cerebrovascular accidents, renal insufficiency, visual impairment, and other complications. Alongside pharmaceutical interventions, adopting lifestyle modifications can play a pivotal role in managing blood pressure levels. These alterations encompass following a low-fat, low-salt diet, maintaining a healthy body mass, engaging in physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes on most days, refraining from smoking, and consuming alcoholic beverages in moderation.
What are the guidelines for consuming this medication?
You can use Lisinopril in the form of a tablet or a liquid solution for oral intake. Typically, it is ingested once daily. To ensure consistent consumption of Lisinopril, aim to take it at the same time each day. Adhere closely to the instructions provided on your prescription label and seek clarification from your physician or pharmacist on any unclear aspects. Comply with the prescribed dosage of Lisinopril without altering it. Avoid exceeding or reducing the dosage or consuming it more frequently than instructed by your physician.
When utilizing the liquid solution, avoid utilizing a regular household spoon for dosage measurement. Instead, utilize an oral syringe designed specifically for measuring liquid medications.
At the beginning of your treatment, your physician may initiate lisinopril with a minimal dosage and then progressively elevate your intake.
While lisinopril manages your ailment, it does not offer a cure. Maintain your lisinopril regimen regardless of how you may feel. Refrain from discontinuing lisinopril abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider.
This medication could potentially be assigned for alternative purposes; consult your pharmacist or doctor for further details.
Which unique precautions should I adhere to?
Ahead of commencing lisinopril, inform your pharmacist and physician regarding any allergic reactions you may have towards lisinopril, other ACE inhibitors like enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); as well as any other medications; or any components found in lisinopril tablets and solution.
Inquire with the pharmacist about the ingredients and ask whether you should avoid lisinopril when using valsartan and sacubitril. Notify your healthcare provider if you have ceased using valsartan and sacubitril recently. It's also essential to inform your doctor if you have diabetes and are on aliskiren as they may advise against lisinopril in this case.
Inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about the various prescribed and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and natural remedies you're currently using. Make sure to disclose the usage of items such as: pain relievers like aspirin and certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, everolimus (Zortress), gold-containing medications, indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex), insulin or other diabetes treatments, lithium (Lithobid), potassium enhancements, sirolimus (Rapamune), and temsirolimus (Torisel). Your healthcare provider might need to adjust your medication dosages or closely monitor you for potential adverse effects.
Inform your physician about any episodes of severe swelling you may have experienced, particularly those affecting your ability to swallow or breathe, as well as any discomforting swellings on various parts of your body. This could result in your doctor advising against the usage of lisinopril. Additionally, disclose to your doctor any history of cardiovascular, renal, or diabetic conditions. Mention if you are currently breastfeeding. Prior to any surgical procedures, make sure to notify both the surgeon and dentist about your lisinopril medication usage.
It's important to be aware that experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, inadequate fluid intake, and excessive sweating can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, potentially resulting in dizziness and fainting episodes.
What specific dietary guidelines should I adhere to?
Consult your healthcare provider prior to incorporating potassium-rich salt substitutes into your diet. If prescribed a low-salt or low-sodium eating plan, be diligent in following the provided instructions.
What is the recommended course of action if I neglect to take a dose?
Administer the missed dose promptly upon recollection. In the event that the next dose is imminent, forgo the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Avoid doubling up on doses to compensate for a missed one.
What are the potential adverse reactions associated with this drug?
This medication may produce adverse reactions. Inform your healthcare provider if you encounter any of the following issues that are intense or persistent:
Certain adverse reactions should not be ignored. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately:
Symptoms of high body temperature, a scratchy throat, shivers, as well as other indications of illness, can be experienced as a result of consuming Lisinopril. The skin or eyes may appear yellow, and dizziness, fainting, or discomfort in the chest might also occur. Lisinopril might lead to additional adverse reactions. Contact your physician if you encounter any unusual issues while using this drug. Should a severe adverse effect arise, either you or your doctor are able to submit a complaint via the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting scheme, either online or by calling 1-800-332-1088.
What knowledge should I acquire regarding the storing and disposal of this medicine?
Remember to store this medicine in its original packaging, sealed tightly, in a place where children cannot access it. Keep it at a moderate temperature and avoid exposing it to excessive heat and humidity (not in the restroom).
It is crucial to ensure that all medications are kept hidden from children, as many types of packaging (such as weekly pill organizers and containers for eye drops, ointments, patches, and inhalers) are not designed to be child-resistant and can be easily opened by young children. To prevent accidental poisoning in young children, always secure safety caps and promptly store the medication in a secure location – one that is high up and out of their reach and sight.
Disposing of unnecessary medications in a responsible manner is vital to prevent accidental consumption by pets, children, and individuals. It is crucial to avoid flushing these medications down the toilet. The optimal approach to getting rid of your medicines is by participating in a medicine take-back initiative. Consult with your pharmacist or reach out to your area's waste management authority to explore available take-back programs. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines webpage for additional guidance if a take-back program is not accessible.
In the event of a crisis or excessive ingestion, contact the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Online assistance can also be accessed. If the individual has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is experiencing difficulty breathing, or is unresponsive, immediately contact emergency services by dialing 911.
Indications of an overdose may manifest as:
What additional knowledge is essential?
Maintain all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider and laboratory. Regular monitoring of your blood pressure is necessary to gauge the effectiveness of lisinopril. Your healthcare provider may request specific laboratory tests to evaluate your body's reaction to lisinopril.
Guard your medication closely and never allow unauthorized individuals to handle it. Seek guidance from your pharmacist regarding the renewal of your prescription.
Maintaining a detailed record of both prescribed and non-prescribed medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements, is crucial. Remember to carry this inventory whenever you have a medical appointment or are hospitalized. It holds significant importance during emergency situations.