Many kidney patients are surprised when doctors prescribe lisinopril or some other ACE inhibitor for the treatment of kidney disease. This is particularly surprising for patients who do not have hypertension, because lisinopril is usually prescribed to control high blood pressure. However, like other ACE inhibitors, lisinopril has special renoprotective benefits. The FASEB Journal notes that "auxiliary to their cardioprotective effect, ACE inhibitors and ARBs may also have a role in slowing the progression of renal disease."
Creatinine Increase
The package information for lisinopril notes that slight creatinine increases occur in two percent of people taking the drug. This often worries patients because creatinine increases are synonymous with worsening renal function. Fortunately, Drugs.com notes that this finding is reversible.
Lowers Urine Protein
The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disease reports that ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril are recommended for many kidney patients experiencing proteinuria regardless whether the patient has hypertension.
The diminution of urine protein in kidney patients appears to extend to patents with a very serious kidney disease called autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. The journal "Pediatric Nephrology" reports that proteinuria completely abates in rats with polycystic kidney disease. The authors suggest that cyst formation may also be slowed down.
Transplant Preservation
In 2008, the journal "Transplant Proceedings" reported that lisinopril given to patients after kidney transplant was well tolerated. After the patients were followed for one year, the authors concluded that lisinopril "seemed to have some beneficial effect" in preserving kidney function post transplant. The precise mechanism for this effect is unknown.
References
- The FASEB Journal: From Viper's Venom to Drug Design: Treating Hypertension
- Healthdigest.org:Lisinopril Dosage, Interactions, Side Effects, How to Use
- Pediatric Nephrology: Chronic Treatment with Lisinopril Decreases Proliferative and Apoptotic Pathways in Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease.
- Transplant Proceedings: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors After Renal Transplantation.
- Drugs.com
Member Comments