Lisinopril 5mg Tablets

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It inhibits the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. This leads to decreased angiotensin II levels, resulting in vasodilation, reduced aldosterone secretion (leading to decreased sodium and water reabsorption), and increased bradykinin levels (a vasodilator). These actions collectively reduce peripheral vascular resistance, blood pressure, and cardiac preload and afterload.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

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 life-threatening. Watch for signs such as:
+ Dark urine
+ Fatigue
+ Decreased appetite
+ Nausea or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes

Other Possible Side Effects

Most people experience few or no side effects while taking this medication. However, if you notice any of the following side effects, contact your doctor or seek medical help if they bother you or do not go away:

Dizziness or headache
* Cough

Reporting Side Effects

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is crucial that you 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 reactions you have experienced, including any symptoms.
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 how your body processes this medication.
If you are taking a medication containing aliskiren, especially if you have diabetes or kidney problems.
If you have taken a medication containing sacubitril within the last 36 hours.
If you are breastfeeding, as you should not breastfeed 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 essential to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions. This will help ensure that it is safe to take this medication with your other treatments. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.

Important Warnings and Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

Caution with Daily Activities
Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid driving and other tasks that require alertness. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position, and be cautious when climbing stairs.

Monitoring and Precautions

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.
If you are taking a salt substitute containing potassium, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium product, consult your doctor.
If you are on a low-salt or salt-free diet, discuss this with your doctor.
If you have high blood pressure and are taking this medication, consult 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
Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor before drinking.

Heat and Fluid Loss Precautions
Be cautious in hot weather or during physical activity, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Inform your doctor if you experience excessive sweating, fluid loss, vomiting, or diarrhea, as these may lead to low blood pressure.

Effectiveness and Racial Considerations
This medication may be less effective in lowering blood pressure in Black patients. In some cases, additional medication may be necessary. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

Severe Reactions
A severe and potentially life-threatening reaction called angioedema has been reported. The risk of angioedema may be higher in Black patients.

Infection Risk
Low white blood cell counts have been associated with captopril, a similar medication. This may increase the risk of infection, particularly in individuals with kidney problems or other underlying health conditions. If you experience symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, or sore throat, contact your doctor immediately.

Age-Related Precautions
If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

• Aliskiren (in patients with diabetes or renal impairment)
• Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto) - concomitant use or within 36 hours of switching

• Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride) - increased risk of hyperkalemia
• Potassium supplements - increased risk of hyperkalemia
• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) - 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

• Diuretics (thiazide, loop) - increased risk of symptomatic hypotension (especially first-dose)
• Gold (sodium aurothiomalate) - nitritoid reactions (facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, hypotension)
• Antidiabetic agents (insulin, oral hypoglycemics) - increased risk of hypoglycemia
• Other antihypertensives - additive hypotensive effects

• Not available

• Angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, extremities)
• Persistent dry cough
• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially with first dose or dose increases)
• Signs of hyperkalemia (e.g., muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat)
• Signs of renal dysfunction (e.g., decreased urine output, swelling)

Lisinopril is contraindicated in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to significant risk of fetal injury and death (e.g., fetal hypotension, anuria, renal failure, skull hypoplasia, death). Use in the first trimester is generally avoided due to potential risks, though less severe than later trimesters.

Lisinopril is excreted in human milk in very low concentrations. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, especially for full-term, healthy infants, but monitoring for adverse effects (e.g., hypotension) is prudent.

Approved for hypertension in children 6 years and older. Dosing is weight-based. Safety and efficacy in children younger than 6 years have not been established.

Start with lower doses (e.g., 2.5 mg or 5 mg) and titrate slowly due to increased sensitivity to hypotensive effects and potential for age-related decline in renal function. Monitor renal function and potassium closely.

• Lisinopril is a once-daily medication, which can improve patient adherence.
• A common side effect is a persistent, dry, non-productive cough, which occurs in 5-20% of patients and often leads to discontinuation. If cough develops, consider switching to an Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB).
• 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 or starting with a very low dose (2.5 mg).
• Risk of angioedema, a potentially life-threatening swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat, is a serious but rare side effect. It can occur at any time during therapy.
• Monitor renal function and serum potassium regularly, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment, heart failure, or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics or supplements.
• Lisinopril is not metabolized by the liver, making it a good choice for patients with hepatic impairment, though caution is still advised.

• Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) e.g., Valsartan, Losartan (often used if ACEI cough occurs)
• Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) e.g., Amlodipine, Nifedipine
• Thiazide Diuretics e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone
• Beta-blockers e.g., Metoprolol, Carvedilol
• Other ACE inhibitors e.g., Enalapril, Ramipril

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.