Lisinopril

What is Lisinopril?

Lisinopril belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

ACE inhibitors are used in the treatment and management of hypertension (high blood pressure), they also massively reduce the risk of heart failure, stroke and a number of cardiovascular conditions.

ACE inhibitors are one of 4 drug classes used to treat hypertension, the other 2 being Calcium Channel Blockers, Thiazide Diuretics and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers.

Lisinopril is available in several doses such as 5mg, 10mg and 20mg, depending upon the proportions of active ingredients in them.

The most common form of medication is as a tablet, but if you have difficulty in swallowing, Lisinopril is also available as a liquid medicine.

What is Lisinopril used to treat?

Lisinopril tablets are among the most common forms of high blood pressure treatments available in the UK. They are also a common prescription for people who are recovering from a heart attack; additionally, they are prescribed for heart failure and can prevent future heart attacks and strokes.

Another benefit of Lisinoprl is they delay the progression of renal disease in patients with diabetic kidney disease.

An ACE inhibitor, Lisinopril works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to pass through the body more freely, reducing the pressure on the heart. 

How do Lisinopril tablets work?

Lisinopril works by inhibiting the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) which is responsible for producing natural hormones that help to control blood pressure.

This hormone can also cause blood vessels to restrict and become more narrow, as a result, blood pressure is increased due to the added resistance that the heart faces when pumping blood around the body.

By inhibiting Angiotensin-Converting Enzymes, the hormone responsible for narrowing blood vessels is suppressed which allows blood vessels to widen and blood to flow thorughout the body more freely. The pressure on the heart is also reduced due to the increased blood flow.

How to take Lisinopril tablets

Lisinopril tablets can be taken with or without food, this medicine does not upset the stomach.

You should always take Lisinopril with a glass of water to help with swallowing the tablet.

It is recommended taking Lisinopril tablets at a similar time every day.

Your doctor will usually instruct you to take Lisinopril tablets once a day. They may suggest taking Lisinopril before bed the first time you take it; a common side effect of this medicine is dizziness, so it is best if you lie down after taking it for the first time.

Lisinopril Dose

The usual starting dose for Lisinopril is between 2.5mg and 10mg, once a day.

As your treatment progresses, your doctor will usually raise your dose; how much it is raised by will depend on the condition you are being treated for.

For high blood pressure, you will usually be instructed to take 20mg each day.

To decide the appropriate dose for you, your doctor will check your blood pressure and ask about any side effects you may be getting from the medicine.

It may take up to four weeks for you to feel the full effects of this medicine. Do not stop taking it unless instructed to by your doctor, Lisinopril is most effective when taken consistently and over a long period of time.

If you are taking this medicine to lower your blood pressure, it is highly likely that you will need to take it for the rest of your life.

Who can take Lisinopril tablets?

This medicine can be taken by adults and children who are at least six years old.

Lisinopril is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines to treat high blood pressure, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

You should check your blood sugar (glucose) more regularly if you have diabetes as Lisinopril can lower your blood sugar levels.

Ensure you tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:

• You are on a low-salt diet
• You are currently pregnant, are trying to get pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• You are breastfeeding
• You have any blood problems
• You have had an allergic reaction to Lisinopril or any other medicine in the past
• You have unstable or a low blood pressure reading
• You have recently had diarrhoea or vomiting
• You have heart, liver or kidney problems
• You are going to have any surgery that requires a general anaesthetic
• You are due to undergo desensitisation treatment to lower your allergy to insect stings
• You have diabetes

If you have any concerns at all about taking this medicine for high blood pressure or any other conditions, you should speak to your doctor before you start to take it.

Lisinopril side effects

As is the case with all medicines, taking Lisinopril comes with the risk of certain adverse effects.

The side effects of this medicine are generally very mild, and most people will not experience any at all.

However, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of these symptoms concern you or don't go away:

• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• A dry, tickly cough that won't go away
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, particularly when you stand up
• Itching or a mild skin rash

Please note, this list is not exhaustive. For a list of more serious adverse reactions, please refer to the Side Effects tab on this page.

ACE inhibitor induced cough

ACE Inhibitors have been known to cause a dry and consistent cough in patients. The cough usually develops within one week of starting treatment and can last for up to six months. The cough will tend to subside after 1 to 4 days of stopping treatment.

Long term side effects of lisinopril

Lisinopril is a long term treatment, if you have been prescribed Lisinopril to treat high blood pressure, it is likely you will require this treatment for the rest of your life.

Lisinopril is not linked to any common long term side effects, however; with long term use of Lisinopril, your doctor will regularly monitor your kidney function via regular blood tests.

Can I buy Lisinopril Online?

Yes, you can buy lisinopril online form most UK online pharmacies such as Medicine Direct. You will need to complete an online healthcare questionnaire so a qualified healthcare professional can assess your condition to ensure this treatment is best suited to your condition.

When buying medicine online, it is important to ensure you are doing so from a fully regulated UK pharmacy. To learn more about the licenses we hold, our team, our medical professionals and our company as a whole, visit our about us page.