Lisinopril: What it does and how to use it safely
Lisinopril is a common ACE inhibitor prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure, and to help protect the kidneys in some people with diabetes. It relaxes blood vessels so your heart doesn't have to work as hard. Many people notice better blood pressure control within a week, but full benefits can take a few weeks.
How to take lisinopril
Take lisinopril exactly as your doctor tells you. Typical starting doses for adults are 5–10 mg once daily for blood pressure; usual maintenance ranges from 10–40 mg daily. For heart failure or after a heart attack, doctors often start lower and increase slowly. Tablets come in 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg strengths.
You can take it with or without food. Try to take it the same time each day—morning or evening—so you don’t forget. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it's almost time for the next one. Don’t double up. Never stop lisinopril suddenly without checking your doctor; stopping can raise your blood pressure and strain your heart.
Side effects & safety tips
Common side effects include dizziness (especially after the first dose), persistent dry cough, and tiredness. Because lisinopril can raise potassium levels, avoid salt substitutes containing potassium unless your doctor says it's okay. Serious but rare problems include angioedema—swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat—which needs emergency care right away.
Lisinopril affects your kidneys and potassium balance. Your doctor will usually check blood tests 1–2 weeks after starting or changing the dose: blood pressure, kidney function (creatinine), and potassium. People with kidney disease or dehydration may need lower doses.
Watch for warning signs: fainting, rapid heartbeat, very low urine output, severe dizziness, or sudden swelling around the face or throat. Call emergency services or go to the ER for those symptoms.
Drug interactions matter. Avoid combining lisinopril with NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) regularly unless your doctor approves—NSAIDs can reduce its effect and raise kidney risk. Don’t mix with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics without monitoring. Combining with other blood pressure drugs needs dose adjustments. If you take lithium, tell your prescriber—lisinopril can change lithium levels.
Pregnancy warning: ACE inhibitors like lisinopril can harm a developing baby. If you become pregnant, stop it and tell your doctor immediately. Breastfeeding mothers should discuss alternatives with their clinician.
Practical tips: stand up slowly to avoid dizziness, keep a list of your meds to share with every provider, carry an alert card if you had angioedema before, and store your pills in a cool, dry place. Regularly record your blood pressure and bring the log to appointments.
If something doesn’t feel right, call your healthcare provider. Small side effects are common and often manageable, but sudden breathlessness, swelling, or fainting require urgent care. With the right monitoring, lisinopril helps many people control blood pressure and protect the heart and kidneys.
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