Lisinopril 30mg Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow these steps:
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions carefully.
You can take your medication with or without food.
Take your medication at the same time every day to establish a routine.
Continue taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start to feel better.
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids, unless your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake.
Special Instructions for Liquid (Suspension) Formulation
If you have trouble swallowing pills, your doctor or pharmacist can help you prepare a liquid (suspension) form of your medication. If a liquid formulation is prepared:
Shake the bottle well before each use.
Measure your dose carefully using the measuring device provided with your medication. If you don't have a measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To keep your medication effective and safe:
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom.
Keep the lid tightly closed.
Do not freeze your medication.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However:
If it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take medication exactly as prescribed, usually once daily.
- Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well.
- Avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium unless directed by your doctor.
- Limit alcohol intake, as it can further lower blood pressure.
- Maintain a healthy diet (low in sodium), regular exercise, and manage stress.
- Report any swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat immediately (signs of angioedema).
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of kidney problems, including:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Signs of high potassium levels, such as:
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Weakness, lightheadedness, or dizziness
+ Feeling like passing out
+ Numbness or tingling
+ Shortness of breath
Severe dizziness or fainting
Persistent cough
Severe stomach pain
Severe nausea or vomiting
Chest pain or pressure
Liver problems, which can be indicated by:
+ Dark urine
+ Fatigue
+ Decreased appetite
+ Stomach pain or upset
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for guidance:
Dizziness or headache
* Cough
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema) - seek emergency medical attention immediately.
- Severe dizziness or fainting (signs of low blood pressure).
- Persistent dry cough.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or severe stomach pain (signs of liver problems).
- Signs of high potassium (muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat).
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
A history of angioedema, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction characterized by swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing problems, or unusual hoarseness.
Kidney problems, as they may affect the medication's dosage or your ability to take it.
If you are taking a medication containing aliskiren and have diabetes or kidney problems, as this combination may increase the risk of adverse effects.
If you have taken a medication containing sacubitril within the last 36 hours, as this may interact with the current medication.
If you are breastfeeding, as it is recommended to avoid breastfeeding while taking this medication.
Special Considerations for Children:
* If your child is under 6 years of age, do not administer this medication, as it is not recommended for children younger than 6 years old.
Additional Important Information:
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you have. This will help ensure that it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
Precautions to Ensure Your Safety
To avoid accidents, do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness until you know how this medication affects you. When standing up from a sitting or lying down position, rise slowly to minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting. Be cautious when climbing stairs.
Managing Your Condition
If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Follow your doctor's instructions for regular blood work, blood pressure checks, and other laboratory tests.
Interactions with Other Medications and Substances
If you are taking a salt substitute containing potassium, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium product, consult your doctor. Additionally, if you are on a low-salt or salt-free diet, discuss this with your doctor. When taking this medication for high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before using over-the-counter (OTC) products that may increase blood pressure, such as:
Cough or cold medications
Diet pills
Stimulants
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
* Certain natural products or aids
Lifestyle Precautions
Before consuming alcohol, consult your doctor. In hot weather or during physical activity, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you experience excessive sweating, fluid loss, vomiting, or diarrhea, inform your doctor, as these symptoms may lead to low blood pressure.
Medication Effectiveness and Potential Risks
This medication may be less effective in lowering blood pressure in Black patients. In some cases, another medication may be prescribed in combination with this one. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
A severe and potentially life-threatening reaction called angioedema has been reported. The risk of angioedema may be higher in Black patients. Additionally, low white blood cell counts have occurred with captopril, a similar medication, which may increase the risk of infection. This is more likely to happen in people with kidney problems, especially those with other underlying health conditions. If you experience symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, or sore throat, contact your doctor immediately.
Special Considerations for Older Adults
If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Syncope (fainting)
- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- Palpitations
- Renal failure
- Hyperkalemia
What to Do:
Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control). Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. If ingestion is recent, gastric lavage may be considered. Intravenous saline infusion may be used to correct hypotension. Hemodialysis can remove lisinopril from circulation.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Aliskiren (in patients with diabetes or renal impairment [CrCl <60 mL/min])
- Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto) - concomitant use or within 36 hours of switching
Major Interactions
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride) - increased risk of hyperkalemia
- Potassium supplements - increased risk of hyperkalemia
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) - may reduce antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal impairment
- Lithium - increased serum lithium levels and toxicity
- mTOR inhibitors (e.g., sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus) - increased risk of angioedema
- Neprilysin inhibitors (e.g., sacubitril) - increased risk of angioedema
Moderate Interactions
- Diuretics (thiazide, loop) - increased risk of symptomatic hypotension (especially first-dose)
- Other antihypertensives - additive hypotensive effect
- Insulin and oral hypoglycemics - increased risk of hypoglycemia
- Gold injections (sodium aurothiomalate) - nitritoid reactions (facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, hypotension)
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline and guide initial dosing.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess renal function, as lisinopril is renally eliminated and can affect renal function.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess baseline potassium levels, as lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly, especially after dose changes and during maintenance therapy
Target: <130/80 mmHg (individualized based on guidelines and patient comorbidities)
Action Threshold: Persistent hypotension (<90/60 mmHg) or uncontrolled hypertension (>140/90 mmHg)
Frequency: Within 1-2 weeks of initiation or dose increase, then periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months or as clinically indicated)
Target: Within normal limits or stable from baseline
Action Threshold: Increase in Cr >30% from baseline or significant decline in GFR; consider dose reduction or discontinuation
Frequency: Within 1-2 weeks of initiation or dose increase, then periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months or as clinically indicated), more frequently with concomitant potassium-elevating drugs or renal impairment
Target: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Action Threshold: Hyperkalemia (>5.5 mEq/L); consider dose reduction, discontinuation, or management of hyperkalemia
Symptom Monitoring
- Signs of angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, glottis, larynx, extremities)
- Persistent dry cough
- Symptoms of hypotension (dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope)
- Symptoms of hyperkalemia (muscle weakness, fatigue, paresthesias, cardiac arrhythmias)
- Signs of liver dysfunction (jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Lisinopril is contraindicated in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to significant risk of fetal injury and death. It should be avoided in the first trimester as well. If pregnancy is detected, discontinue as soon as possible.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Lisinopril is excreted in human milk in very small amounts. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but monitor the infant for hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal effects, especially in preterm infants or those with renal impairment.
Pediatric Use
Approved for hypertension in children 6 years and older. Dosing must be carefully titrated based on weight and blood pressure response. Not recommended for children under 6 years or for other indications due to lack of established safety and efficacy.
Geriatric Use
Start with lower doses (e.g., 2.5-5 mg) due to potential for increased sensitivity, age-related decline in renal function, and increased risk of adverse effects like hypotension and hyperkalemia. Titrate slowly based on response and tolerability.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- First-dose hypotension can occur, especially in patients who are volume-depleted (e.g., on diuretics, heart failure patients). Consider discontinuing diuretics 2-3 days prior to initiation if possible, or start with a very low dose.
- A persistent dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, occurring in up to 20% of patients. It typically resolves within 1-4 weeks after discontinuation.
- Angioedema is a rare but potentially life-threatening side effect. Patients should be educated on the signs and symptoms and advised to seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Monitor potassium levels closely, especially in patients with renal impairment, diabetes, or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements.
- Lisinopril is a prodrug that is not metabolized by the liver, making it a good choice for patients with hepatic impairment, though caution is still advised.
Alternative Therapies
- Other ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, ramipril, captopril)
- Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., losartan, valsartan, candesartan)
- Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) (e.g., amlodipine, nifedipine)
- Thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
- Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, carvedilol)
- Direct Renin Inhibitors (e.g., aliskiren - limited use)