Lisinopril

Description

Introduction

Lisinopril is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and works by blocking the formation of angiotensin, a natural substance produced by the body that constricts blood vessels. This medication is available in tablet form.

Indications and uses

Lisinopril is primarily used to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure. Essential hypertension is high blood pressure that has no apparent cause and is the most common form of hypertension. Renal causes of hypertension however account for only 2% of all causes of hypertension. Lisinopril can also be used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure in patients who are not responsive to other treatments. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been found to be effective in reducing the progression of heart failure in patients whose ventricles are dilated. In patients who have had a myocardial infarction, Lisinopril can help decrease the likelihood of developing congestive heart failure.

Benefits

There are several benefits to Lisinopril. The main benefit is the reduction of high blood pressure. This is especially important since hypertension is a major risk factor for a variety of diseases. By reducing the blood pressure, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors make it easier for the heart to pump blood and increase circulation. For some patients, the risk of heart attack or having their myocardial infarction to progress to congestive heart failure is reduced.

Side effects

The most common side effect of lisinopril is a dry, persistent cough. There are also rare incidences of patients experiencing increased potassium concentration in the blood. Some patients can develop a reaction. The event of a patient developing an allergy to any medication is always a disadvantage, at best leading to discomfort or a bad feeling, at worst causing life-threatening conditions. Some of the symptoms of anaphylactic reaction include rash, periorbital swelling and nausea. The incidence of kidney failure and increased concentration of nitrous compounds in the vasculature outside the cells is another notable negative side effect of lisinopril Use. These symptoms result from the reduced blood supply to the kidneys leading to impaired filtration and a build up of the urea that the body normally gets rid of through the renal system. The nitrous compounds enter the cells in order to scavenge oxygen in the blood, but as the nitrous compounds increase in concentration, the nitrous oxide that is formed becomes toxic to the body cells leading to death of the cells. Norepinephrine causes kidney failure as it acts on the cells and the blood vessels. Low blood pressure is caused by vasodilation. Exercises with caution are advisable due to the possibilty of depletion of blood due to body cells inability to produce any more blood cells due to kidney failure. These could act as entry points for harmful bacteria around the body and organs in the event of a fall which could lead to septisemia and eventual death. Hematuria and plastic anemia are other side effects from lisinopril. Retinopathy is another negative side effect of lisinopril. This is a condition where the blood in the retinas are contaminating the white part of the eyes robbing them of oxygen and ultimately their lives when left untreated and dies slowly leading to eye infections, fever and eventual death.

Usage Directions

It is advisable to take as prescribed by the medical provider. The drug is usually taken one a day without or with food. Importantly, Lisinopril should be taken at the same time daily to maintain a similar blood concentration. In addition, do not stop taking Lisinopril at once as this could cause a sudden high blood pressure occurrence.

Precaution and drug Interaction

Prior to taking Lisinopril, it is understandable to let the pharmacist or the capable healthcare provider know your medical condition. Under no circumstance above all should one make the medics aware of your situation if you are suffering from kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes. Importantly, note that there are other drugs that could interact with Lisinopril. Therefore, to be on the safe side, it is good to reveal the already consumed medications whether they are prescribed or over-the-counter drugs. Avoid both drinking alcohol and Lisinopril since you would increase chances of experiencing extremely low blood pressure.

Listening

Q: Can I take Lisinopril during pregnancy period?
A: It is not advisable to take the drug during the consumption period since it would harm the unborn baby. In case pregnancy occurs during taking the medication, contact medical specialists for alternative actions.

Q: How soon should I expect Lisinopril to take action in lowering blood pressure?
A: Although Lisinopril will be active in your body, it may not bring down the level of blood pressure at once. In this case, the medical provider may ask you to have a prescription of the same or a different drug for about a fortnight depending on one’s blood pressure status.

Q: When does it should be taken?
A: If necessary, may be taken with or without meals since the drug will be as effective. However, the user is advised to take the drug at the same set time every day.

Q: What should one do when they forget to take Lisinopril at the set time?
A: If a dose is forgotten, the user is advised to take the forgotten drug if it is not few hours to the calculated time. If the time is close, ignore the missed one and go on to take the next scheduled dose. Omitting one dose should never let one take overdose hence preparing for the missed drug, which could cause health problems if ingested. Therefore, it is essential to take precaution not to risk catching up with the drug.

Is Lisinopril Safe in geriatric patients?

Yes, it can be used safely but the patient is more likely to be more sensitive and they should monitor their kidney function and BP.

To sum up, Lisinopril is a widely used and effective drug used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and post heart attack treatments. Following your doctor’s orders and watching out for any complications may help to improve your health.