Lisinopril

Lisinopril is a blood pressure lowering medication, also called an antihypertensive. Lisinopril is part of a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme, an enzyme that controls your blood pressure.

ACE inhibitors are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. They are the first type of blood pressure tablets your doctor may start you on if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

You often will not have any symptoms of high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. If you leave it untreated it can lead to serious health problems, like stroke or heart attacks.

Your doctor or nurse may notice high blood pressure at a routine health check. You will not be started on treatment immediately, but your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure over the next few weeks.

The ideal blood pressure is around 120/80mmHg, but you may have a slightly different reading as everyone is different. If you have other health conditions, like diabetes, this can also change the ideal blood pressure for you.

Lisinopril is normally taken once daily. You can take lisinopril with or without food and with a glass of water. It’s better to take lisinopril in the morning as your blood pressure is naturally higher then.

You’ll usually be started on a low dose of lisinopril such as 2.5mg or 5mg daily. Your doctor will adjust the dose of lisinopril depending on how your blood pressure responds. Always follow your doctor’s advice on the most suitable dose of lisinopril for you.

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) works to make angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a molecule that causes your blood vessels to constrict. This increases your blood pressure.

Sometimes, your body needs to raise its blood pressure, but if it does not get lower naturally then it will remain high. This is where you may need treatment.

Lisinopril works by stopping the ACE enzyme from making angiotensin II. This stops your blood pressure from getting higher and is maintained at a healthy range.

Your blood vessels are flexible as they are constantly being constricted and dilated. As you get older, your blood vessels get less flexible. This means you’re more prone to high blood pressure when you get older than 65. If you have a family history of high blood pressure or heart disease, you may be at a higher risk of getting it too.

You may get some possible side effects when you first start taking lisinopril. Many of these side effects will go away once you get used to taking the tablets.

The common side effects of lisinopril are:

• a dry cough
• being sick
• headaches
• feeling lightheaded
• diarrhoea

If these side effects are persistent, speak to your doctor. You may need a lower dose or a different high blood pressure medication.

The uncommon side effects of lisinopril are:

• feeling sick
• difficulty sleeping
• erectile dysfunction for men
• feeling tired or sleepy
• indigestion

If you have an allergic reaction after taking lisinopril, contact 999 immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• swelling of the face (angioedema)
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

For more information on side effects, read the patient information leaflet that comes in your pack.