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Lisinopril

 

Lisinopril (generic Prinvil, Zestril) Review

brand names: Prinivil, Zestril
generic names: hydrochlorothiazide, Lisinopril

How does it work?

Carace plus tablets contain two active ingredients, lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide. Lisinopril is a type of medicine called an ACE inhibitor. Hydrochlorothiazide is a type of medicine called a thiazide diuretic. These are both medicines used to lower high blood pressure.

ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril work by blocking the action of a compound in the body called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Normally ACE produces another compound called angiotensin II, as part of the body's natural control of blood pressure. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict and narrow, which increases the pressure within the blood vessels.

As lisinopril blocks the action of ACE, it reduces the production of angiotensin II. This means that the blood vessels are allowed to relax and widen. The overall effect of this is a drop in blood pressure, hence lisinopril can be used to lower high blood pressure.

Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide are sometimes referred to as ‘water tablets’. They remove excess fluid from the body by increasing the production of urine.

Diuretics act in the kidneys. They work by causing the kidneys to increase the amount of salts, such as potassium and sodium, that are filtered out of the blood and into the urine. When these salts are filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, they draw water alongside them. As diuretics increase the removal of salts from the blood, they also cause more water to be drawn out of the blood and into the urine.

Removing water from the blood decreases the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. This subsequently decreases the pressure within the blood vessels. Diuretics can therefore be used to lower high blood pressure.

The combination of lisinopril with hydrochlorothiazide is used when blood pressure has not been lowered sufficiently using lisinopril on its own.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lisinopril (Prinvil)

If Zestril is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zestril with any of the following:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin (Indocin)
Lithium (Lithonate, and others that leave potassium in the body, Eskalith)
Potassium preparations such as K-Phos and Micro-K
Water pills such as HydroDIURIL and Lasix, such as Aldactone and Midamor

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zestril

If Zestril is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zestril with any of the following:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin (Indocin)
Lithium (Lithonate, and others that leave potassium in the body, Eskalith)
Potassium preparations such as K-Phos and Micro-K
Water pills such as HydroDIURIL and Lasix, such as Aldactone and Midamor

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•autoimmune disease (such as lupus), dyes, foods, other ACE inhibitors, such as or suppressed immune function
•previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema)
•bone marrow disease
•heart or blood vessel disease
•low blood pressure
•kidney disease
•if you are on a special diet, a low-salt diet
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Lisinopril (Prinvil), or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Disorders of the kidney, liver or blood
  
  
• Severe swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat (angioedema - see warning above)
  
  
• Increased level of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia)
  
  
• Alteration in taste
  
  
• Impotence
  
  
• Shortness of breath (dyspnoea)
  
  
• Pins and needles sensations (paraesthesia)
  
  
• Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
  
  
• Changes in mood
  
  
• Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia)
  
  
• Chest pain (angina)
  
  
• Increased level of potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia)
  
  
• Dry mouth
  
  
• Rash
  
  
• Feeling of weakness (asthenia)
  
  
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  
  
• Dry cough
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Disturbances of the gut such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting or abdominal pain
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Lisinopril (Prinvil) is used for:

Treating high blood pressure alone or with other medicines. It is used along with other medicines to manage heart failure or improve survival after a heart attack. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by relaxing blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and helps the heart to pump blood more easily.