More than 30 percent of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High blood pressure increases your risk of both heart attack and stroke. Treatment usually requires a change in lifestyle along with medication. Lisinopril is one of the many medications used to help lower blood pressure. While many blood pressure medications require you to avoid grapefruit, it is not necessary while taking lisinopril.
Lisinopril
Lisinopril is a member of a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme, or ACE, inhibitors. Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, and is also used to help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. It works by inhibiting the angiotensin enzyme, which prevents the constriction of your blood vessels, thus helping to reduce blood pressure.
Grapefruit and Medication
Before you start any new medication, you should be aware of any potential food and drug interactions. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect how your body metabolizes a number of medications, including some blood pressure medications, rendering them ineffective. According to Drugs.com, lisinopril is not one of the medications affected by grapefruit or grapefruit juice. However, before starting any new medications, even lisinopril, you should check with your doctor before consuming grapefruit or its juice.
Foods to Avoid on Lisinopril
While grapefruit is not one of the foods you need to avoid on lisinopril, there are other potential interactions. When taking lisinopril, it is recommended that you not use potassium-containing salt substitutes. Using potassium-containing substitutes while taking lisinopril can lead to hyperkalemia, high blood levels of potassium, which can cause heart palpitations and even death. It is also recommended that you not drink alcohol while taking lisinopril. Alcohol also lowers blood pressure and may increase the side effects of lisinopril.
Other Considerations
There are also other things to consider when taking lisinopril. Lisinopril is not recommended if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant because it may cause birth defects. In addition, dehydration caused by vomiting, diarrhea or heavy sweating can cause an imbalance in your electrolytes and lower your blood pressure. Consult your physician immediately if you suspect you are dehydrated. Also, it is important you take your medication as directed by your physician.
References
- Mercy St. Johns; Ask the Pharmacist: The Drug Diet Connection; Christy Wiebe; 2004
- Drugs.com: Lisinopril
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: High Blood Pressure Facts
- Cleveland Clinic: Salt Substitutes
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L.Kathleen Mahan, MS, RD, CDE, Sylvia Escott-Stump, MA, RD; 1996
