Lisinopril
All content is checked by medical journalists.The active ingredient lisinopril is one of the most important remedies for high blood pressure. It belongs to the group of so-called ACE inhibitors and is usually used in tablet form. Possible side effects include drowsiness, headache, and cough. Children, pregnant and breastfeeding women should only take drugs containing lisinopril after consulting their doctor. Here you can read everything you need to know about Lisinopril.
This is how lisinopril works
The body has a sophisticated system for regulating blood pressure. If more energy is required, the blood pressure is automatically increased; on the other hand, it is regulated downwards during periods of rest.
If this system is disturbed, it can lead to high blood pressure. Those affected usually do not notice it, and the high blood pressure gradually worsens. The small vessels in particular, such as those found in the eye and kidney, suffer from the constantly increased pressure. If high blood pressure remains undetected for a long time, it can have dire consequences such as loss of vision and impaired kidney function.
To prevent such secondary damage, blood pressure must be normalized. This can sometimes be achieved with weight loss and more exercise, but often antihypertensive drugs must also be taken.
Lisinopril is one of these drugs. As a representative of the group of "ACE inhibitors", lisinopril reduces the formation of vasoconstricting messenger substances (angiotensin II) and increases the formation of vasodilating messenger substances (bradykinin). In this way, the blood pressure can be effectively lowered, which at the same time relieves the heart.
Lisinopril uptake, breakdown and excretion
After ingestion through the mouth (orally), the active ingredient is incompletely absorbed from the intestine into the blood. It is distributed throughout the body and is ultimately excreted unchanged via the kidneys.
When is Lisinopril used?
The areas of application (indications) for Lisinopril include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Short-term treatment of a heart attack
This is how lisinopril is used
The active ingredient lisinopril is usually used in the form of tablets. The dosage is usually between ten and 80 milligrams - depending on the area of application and the severity of the respective disease. The dose must therefore be determined individually for each patient.
Children, adolescents and patients with impaired kidney function receive a reduced dose.
The tablets only have to be taken once a day, preferably with a large glass of water and always at the same time of day.
What are the side effects of Lisinopril?
Lisinopril often causes side effects such as drowsiness, headache, cough, gastrointestinal complaints and low blood pressure (hypotension), i.e. in one to ten percent of those treated.
In the course of treatment, allergic reactions, changes in behavior and circulatory disorders in the terminal phalanx of the fingers (Raynaud's syndrome) are less common.
What should be considered when taking Lisinopril?
In patients with diabetes, drugs containing lisinopril should be used with caution.
Contraindications
Medicines containing lisinopril should not be used if the person being treated has what is known as Quincke's edema - a swelling of the face caused by an allergic reaction. The same applies to women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. For use in the first trimester of pregnancy, see below.
Interactions
Medicines with lisinopril increase the effect of the following substances when taken at the same time:
- Lithium (for schizophrenia)
- Medicines for depression (such as mirtazapine)
Certain pain relievers (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen) reduce the antihypertensive effects of lisinopril.
Driving and using machines
Since drowsiness or dizziness can occasionally occur as side effects, patients should pay particular attention to their own body's reaction to the drug, especially when starting treatment with lisinopril. Then - if necessary together with the doctor - a decision should be made as to whether one can actively participate in road traffic or operate heavy machinery.
Age restrictions
Medicines containing lisinopril can, if absolutely necessary, also be used in children.
pregnancy and breast feeding period
The active ingredient lisinopril should not be used to treat high blood pressure in early pregnancy or breastfeeding. Instead, better tested antihypertensive drugs are available, such as alpha-methyldopa or metoprolol.
How to get lisinopril medication
Lisinopril drugs require a prescription because treatment with them requires regular visits to the doctor to monitor the course of therapy. You can therefore only get them with a prescription from the doctor in the pharmacy.
Since when has lisinopril been known?
The group of so-called ACE inhibitors has only been around since the 1980s. The first member of this group was found in the venom of a species of snake that incapacitates its victims when the blood pressure suddenly drops. In order to develop an effective drug from it, the chemical structure of the substance was continuously improved until the current representatives of ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril came about.
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