Lisinopril: Your Heart’s Helping Hand
Manage blood pressure, protect your heart, and improve heart health
What is Lisinopril?
Lisinopril is a trusted ACE inhibitor medicine that helps relax your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood. It’s widely used to control high blood pressure and support heart health, especially after heart problems.
Uses of Lisinopril
Lisinopril is prescribed to:
- Treat high blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Help your heart recover after a heart attack
- Manage symptoms of heart failure
- Protect kidneys in people with diabetes and high blood pressure
Dosage: How Much to Take?
The right dose depends on your health condition. Typical dosages are:
For High Blood Pressure:
- Starting dose: 10mg once daily
- Maintenance dose: 20mg to 40mg once daily
- Maximum dose: 40mg per day
For Heart Failure:
- Starting dose: 2.5mg to 5mg once daily
- Maintenance dose: Adjusted gradually up to 20mg per day
After a Heart Attack:
- First dose: 5mg within 24 hours of the attack
- Next day: 5mg
- Following days: 10mg daily, if tolerated well
How to Take Lisinopril?
- Take once a day with or without food.
- Try to take it at the same time every day.
- Don’t stop suddenly unless your doctor says so.
Side Effects: What You Might Experience
Lisinopril is well-tolerated by most people, but side effects can happen.
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Dry, persistent cough (common with ACE inhibitors)
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Serious Side Effects (Rare, but important to know):
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat (a sign of angioedema)
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- High potassium levels (can cause muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat)
- Kidney issues (less urine output, swelling in ankles)
Precautions: Who Should Be Careful?
Do NOT take if:
- You are allergic to lisinopril or other ACE inhibitors
- You have ever had angioedema (severe swelling reaction)
- You are pregnant (Lisinopril can harm unborn babies)
Use with caution if:
- You have kidney problems or liver disease
- You are dehydrated or taking water pills (diuretics)
- You are on potassium supplements or salt substitutes
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Strictly avoided. It can harm the baby, especially in the second and third trimesters.
- Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor — small amounts may pass into breast milk.
Drug Interactions: What to Watch Out For
Lisinopril can interact with:
- Diuretics (water pills) — increases risk of low blood pressure
- NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) — may reduce lisinopril’s effect
- Potassium supplements — can raise potassium to dangerous levels
- Other blood pressure medicines — may cause too much drop in BP
- Lithium — can raise lithium levels dangerously
Who Can Take Lisinopril?
- Adults with high blood pressure
- Patients recovering from heart attacks
- People with heart failure
- Diabetic patients needing kidney protection
Who Should Avoid Lisinopril?
- Pregnant women (risk to baby)
- Those with severe allergic reactions to ACE inhibitors
- People with hereditary or idiopathic angioedema
Consult Your Doctor
Always talk to your doctor before starting or stopping lisinopril. Regular blood pressure checks, kidney tests, and potassium level monitoring are important while on this medication.
Final Tip
Lisinopril works best when taken regularly and combined with a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management. It’s not just a pill — it’s part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
For more expert advice and personalized guidance, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.