Side Effects Of Lisinopril Hydrochlorothiazide Tabs

Almost immediately after lisinopril was discovered in the 1980s, researchers around the world began to explore using this drug in combination with hydrochlorothiazide and evaluated the side effects of both drugs. Thanks in part to these exhaustive studies, lisinopril hydrochlorothiazide continues to be a popular first choice for many doctors in treating hypertension.

Hypertension

Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, usually referred to as an ACE inhibitor. Angiotensin converting enzyme is a chemical messenger secreted by the kidneys that helps constrict blood vessels. This drug lowers by pressure by inhibiting this enzyme.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic or water pill that also helps reduce blood pressure by limiting the amount of salt that the body absorbs.

A flurry of large studies appeared in the scientific literature in the early 1990s after this drug was introduced. Typical of these is a 1991 paper published in the Journal of Human Hypertension showing that low-dose lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide was more effective in reducing blood pressure that either of its separate monocomponents.

Hyperkalemia

Doctors often prescribe lisinopril hydrochlorothiazide to kidney patients because it lowers urine protein levels and blood pressure---both common problems in kidney patients. These patients must be carefully monitored because lisinopril is associated with increased levels of potassium, a condition called hyperkalemia. A 2010 study by Kaiser Permanente showed that this potentially fatal condition is more likely to occur in patients who are older and those suffering from diabetes, advanced kidney disease, heart failure or who take potassium supplements or high dose lisinopril preparations.

Side Effects

Although lisinopril hydrochlorothiazide is well-tolerated in the great majority of patients, a few patients experience side effects. Drugs.com reports that 4.0 percent of patients experienced dizziness, 4.5 percent experienced headache and 4.6 percent experienced cough. Less common side effects included diarrhea, nausea and upper respiratory infection.

Birth Defects

Since lisinopril is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration category D drug, women who are pregnant or who intend to become pregnant should avoid lisinopril hydrochlorothiazide, according to MayoClinic.com. Category D means that studies in humans show that babies were born with problems related to a particular drug because it was taken during pregnancy.

Precautions

According to MayoClinic.com, many side effects go away after a few days as the body becomes accustomed to taking lisinopril hydrochlorothiazide. It is important, however, to report all side effects to your doctor so that doses can be optimized and side effects minimized.