Lisinopril
Lisinopril, more commonly known by its brand names zestril, and prinivil, is used to help patients with high blood pressure and heart failure. Lisinopril is in a class of medications known as angiotensin converting enzyme or ACE, what angiotensin is, is an enzyme made within the body that narrows blood vessels, lisinopril works to block this enzyme and keep the blood vessels from narrowing which in turn keeps blood pressure from climbing and helps to keep it lowered.
Lisinopril comes in four different dosages, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. Lisiniprol is given at doses specifically catered to the individual by their doctor. When taking lisiniprol it is strongly advised to take the dosage prescribed to you at the same time each day to keep a steady flow of medication within your body, it is also advised to not take lisinopril within two hours of taking an antacid because the ingredients within the antacid will bind with lisinopril and prevent it from being absorbed into your bloodstream. Upon discontinuing the use of lisinopril you will generally be weaned off of it little by little.
The side effects for lisinopril can be as follows, dizziness when taking the first dose due to your body not being used to the lower blood pressure. Other mild yet rare side effects include nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, nasal congestion and sexual dysfunction. There is also a chance of allergic reactions when taking lisinopril, symptoms of allergic reactions include swelling or the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, if any of these symptoms due happen to occur you should contact your doctor and discontinue use of the medication. In some rare cases severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have happened and hives are also know to occur. In some rare cases there has been a drop in the white blood cell count as well as an impairing of the kidneys.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article. |
