Lisinopril is the generic medication for brand names Prinivil and Zestril and is prescribed for high blood pressure, congestive heart failure or to help survive a heart attack. A 20 mg dose is a typical ongoing amount for a patient, but the medication may be started at 5 or 10 mg to see how it is tolerated. It is one of a group of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors which help relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure. At the same time, it helps increase the amount of blood and oxygen that gets to your heart. Taking lisinopril at the normal dosage may have side effects on some patients.
Allergic Side Effects
An allergic reaction to a 20 mg lisinopril dose constitutes a medical emergency. Get immediate help if you have trouble breathing, break out in hives or feel your face swelling. Other extreme reactions Drugs.com lists include throat and tongue swelling and extreme stomach pain. In the case of stomach pain, the lisinopril may be symptomatic of the intestinal malady called angioedema, a rapid swelling of submucosal tissues, which may be accompanied by vomiting.
Severe Side Effects
Besides allergic reactions, those who take 20 mg of lisinopril could feel faint or lightheaded. Drugs.com states such side effects require a call to your doctor, and you should also get medical help if you experience a change in normal urination patterns; flu symptoms like fever, chills or body aches; or chest pains. You should also report any bodily swelling, weight gain, muscle weakness, pounding heartbeat, sudden weakness and fatigue.
Other Common Side Effects
Mayo Clinic staff say it is fairly common for patients taking the recommended dose of lisinopril to experience blurry vision and confusion. Cloudy urine, dizziness and sweating are other common but serious side effects. The RxList website noted dizziness occurred in clinical trials in about 12 percent of patients who had experienced heart failure. Since heart muscle may have been damaged in a heart attack prior to taking this medication, the patient's health may be compromised and an immediate medical consult is necessary.
Fetal Side Effects
Avoid using lisinopril 20 mg if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. The RxList website says the medication can harm a fetus. It should also not be used for children under age 6.
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