Lisinopril side effects
Lisinopril is a drug known as an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor; it is used to treat high blood pressure (known as hypertension in the medical world), congestive heart failure, and to improve survival from a heart attack (sometimes it is used in those who have recently had a heart attack). It is always important to give your doctor your complete medical history before starting on any medication; this one is no different. Also, you should be aware of any possible side effects of this medication; here is your guide to this information.
Side Effects of Lisinopril
There is a list of known side effects associated with the drug, Lisinopril. First of all, if you have any of the signs of an allergic reaction,—hives, severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, and/or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat—seek medical attention immediately. Other serious side effects of this drug are: lightheadedness, fainting, urinating more or less than usual (sometimes not at all), fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, lethargy, muscle weakness, uneven heartbeats, chest pain, or rapid weight gain. If you have any of those you should also contact your doctor. The less serious side effects include: cough, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, depressed mood, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, unexplained swelling in the hands and/or feet, or a mild skin rash or skin itching. There are other complications to be aware of that can be a result of taking this medicine. The side effects of this medication, if not too severe, don’t necessarily require you to stop taking the medication, but will need to be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible. In fact, any side effect you have, no matter how severe, should be talked about with your doctor.
It is very important that this medicine not be taken if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant while on it. Lisinopril can cause birth defects, and sometimes very serious harm, in a baby. Make sure, if you’re a woman, that you’re on a very effective form of birth control and take extreme caution in this area. Stop the medication immediately and notify your doctor if you become pregnant. If you have recently had a baby and are breastfeeding, you should not take this medicine.
Do not drink alcohol while on Lisinopril. Drinking alcohol while on this medication can increase the side effects that are experienced. Alcohol will also further lower your blood pressure, so it is not a good combination with this medication.
Drink plenty of water. Since possible side effects of Lisinopril are vomiting, diarrhea, and maybe heavy sweating, it is very easy to become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to other problems, such as low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure. Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medication to avoid this.
If you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitors, you should tell your doctor and not take this medicine. Such medications might include benazepril, captopril, fosinopril, enalapril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril. If you are allergic to one, it is best not to take the chance to see if you’re allergic to another.
Certain medical conditions might be a problem. If you have certain medical conditions, it’s not that you won’t be able to take Lisinopril, but you’ll probably need a dosage adjustment or special tests to see if taking the medication will be safe for you. While it is important to tell your doctor of your whole medical history, having kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or a connective tissue disease will require follow-up and perfect dosing of the medication.
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