Lisinopril brands and prices in Pakistan

About Lisinopril

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. It relaxes and widens your blood vessels, so blood pressure goes down and the heart does not have to work as hard. It is a prescription medicine. It helps control high blood pressure but it does not cure it, so people usually need to keep taking it.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you have had an allergic reaction to an ACE inhibitor or have had angioedema.
• Pregnancy: it is not usually used in pregnancy. It can harm a baby's development (including the kidneys, skull, lungs and joints), reduce the water around the baby and raise the risk of stillbirth. The leaflets say it must not be taken later in pregnancy. Tell your doctor straight away if you are pregnant, might be, or are planning a pregnancy; a safer medicine is usually chosen.
• Breastfeeding: advice differs. NHS says it may be taken while breastfeeding but to check with your doctor first, and a different ACE inhibitor (enalapril) may be suggested. The UK and Irish leaflets say it is not recommended, especially for newborn or premature babies. Ask your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, heart disease, a narrowed heart valve or artery, diabetes, low blood pressure, or are on dialysis.
• Tell your doctor if you have had a stroke or mini-stroke, high blood potassium, or a condition of the connective tissue (collagen vascular disease).
• Tell your doctor if you are dehydrated, for example from vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy sweating, a low-salt diet or water tablets. This can make blood pressure drop too far.
• The leaflets say it may work less well and cause angioedema more often in people of black origin. Tell your doctor if this applies to you.
• Tell any doctor or dentist that you take it before surgery, dental treatment or an anaesthetic, because blood pressure can drop.
• Tell your doctor before any treatment to reduce allergy to stings or similar (desensitisation).

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Sacubitril/valsartan: must not be taken together with lisinopril
• Aliskiren and other blood pressure medicines, including angiotensin receptor blockers
• Water tablets (diuretics) such as bendroflumethiazide
• Potassium supplements and salt substitutes that contain potassium, which can raise potassium too high
• Lithium
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, and high-strength aspirin
• Diabetes medicines, including insulin, as blood sugar may need closer checking
• Antidepressants such as amitriptyline, antipsychotics and some antibiotics and antivirals
• Decongestants and some asthma medicines that stimulate the body
• Allopurinol, medicines that suppress the immune system, and gold injections
• Blood thinners such as heparin
• Alcohol may raise the chance of low blood pressure, so it may be best to avoid it

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not stop it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well, because high blood pressure often has no symptoms.
• You can take it with or without food. Swallow tablets with water.
• Taking it as part of a regular routine helps you remember.
• The first dose, or a change in the amount, can make you dizzy. Lying down may help.
• If you miss a dose, follow the leaflet or ask a pharmacist. Never take a double dose to catch up.
• Keep your check-ups and blood pressure checks. Your doctor may also check kidney function and potassium with blood tests.
• Check with a pharmacist before using salt substitutes, and before buying any cold, allergy or painkiller product.
• Keep a written list of all your medicines to show doctors, dentists and pharmacists.
• Store it in its original container, away from heat and damp and out of the reach of children. Return unused medicine to a pharmacy instead of putting it in the bin or down the toilet.

Common questions

Why do I have a dry cough on lisinopril?
A dry cough that will not go away is a known side effect of ACE inhibitors, and NHS lists it as common. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor. They may be able to suggest a different medicine, so do not stop it on your own.

Can I drink alcohol?
NHS says it may be best to avoid alcohol because it can raise the chance of low blood pressure and dizziness. MedlinePlus says to keep alcohol moderate as part of blood pressure care. Ask your doctor what is right for you.

Can I take it if I am pregnant or trying for a baby?
Usually not. It can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor straight away if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, and do not stop on your own before getting advice.

I feel fine. Can I stop taking it?
No, not without speaking to your doctor. High blood pressure often causes no symptoms, and the medicine only works while you keep taking it.

What if I get sick with vomiting or diarrhoea?
Being sick, diarrhoea, heavy sweating and not drinking enough can lower your blood pressure and make you faint or very dizzy. Tell your doctor or pharmacist, who can advise whether you should carry on with it.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.