Lisinopril is a prescription medication available as an oral tablet. It is sold generically and under the brand names of Prinivil and Zestril. It is an angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that reduces blood pressure. Lisinopril is indicated for hypertension and congestive heart failure. According to "2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide," it is also given to some patients after a heart attack to improve their odds of survival. Lisinopril is frequently taken in conjunction with other medications.
Cardiovascular and Blood-related
A common cardiovascular side effect of lisinopril is decreased blood pressure upon standing. Less common side effects include chest tightness, chest pain, heart attack, congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, irregular heart rate, high blood potassium, high blood nitrogen, low blood platelets, low red blood cells, low blood levels of neutrophils and granulocytes (types of white blood cells), low levels of all blood cells, and decreased blood supply to the fingers and toes. According to "2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide," patients who were dehydrated or low in blood sodium have experienced a severe drop in blood pressure after taking lisinopril.
Neurological
Common neurological side effects include fatigue, confusion, headache, insomnia, dizziness and blurry vision. Less common side effects include fainting, tingling or numb skin, and a feeling one is about to fall.
Gastrointestinal
Common gastrointestinal side effects of lisinopril include nausea, stomach distress and diarrhea. Less common side effects include impaired taste, loss of appetite, heartburn, indigestion, sour stomach, belching, vomiting, liver injury, constipation and ulcers.
Urinary and Reproductive
Urinary and reproductive side effects are uncommon, and include a frequent need to urinate, voiding too much urine, voiding too little urine, cloudy urine, kidney insufficiency, kidney failure, protein in the urine, loss of sexual interest and impotence.
Other Side Effects
Other common side effects of lisinopril include yellowed skin, sweating and cough. A severe allergic reaction known as angiodema is a common side effect, a swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat which can lead to being unable to breathe and even death. Less common side effects include fever, shivering, feeling unwell, cold or other respiratory infection, influenza, difficulty breathing, loss of strength, swelling (especially of extremities), stuffy ear, rash, stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, loss of voice, sore throat, muscle cramps, joint pain and body aches (including jaw, arm and back pain).
References
- "2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide;" Amy M. Karch; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Lisinopril
- Drugs.com: Lisinopril
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