Lisinopril is a drug of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor class, which is used primary to prevent a variety of effects such as peripheral vasoconstriction as well as salt and water retention that underlie the increase in blood pressure.
Anti-hypertensive efficacy of this active ingredient is also supported by the inhibiting activity of kininase II, which is the enzyme responsible for the degradation of certain molecules such as bradykinin that have vasodilatory function.
What is Lisinopril?
Lisinopril is a drug that is used to treat high blood pressure and it can be used alone or in combination with other drugs. It is also used in the treatment of symptomatic heart failure. Similar to that of other ACE inhibitors, Lisinopril is also used in the treatment of some diabetic complications such as diabetic nephropathy and hypertension.
How should Lisinopril be taken?
Lisinopril is administered orally in the form of tablets.
Side effects associated with Lisinopril
This medication is usually well tolerated. The most common side effects include the following:
- Central nervous disorders: dizziness, headaches
- Cardiovascular disorders: hypotension
- Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, vomiting
Other rarer, however more severe side effects include:
- Dermatological disorders: skin rash , itchy rash, angioedema
- Renal impairment
- Alterations in cardiovascular function
- Changes in some blood tests: hypoglycemia , neutropenia, and hyperkalemia
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Lisinopril
Since several studies have confirmed the teratogenic effect on the fetus is toxic, the use of Lisinopril is strongly contraindicated in pregnancy. Given the toxic potential of this drug on newborns, it should not be administered in women who are breast-feeding.
