Lisinopril, aka Zestril, is a medication commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and
heart failure. Today, we will be answering the most frequent questions about this medication.
My name is Dr Hart-Pinto. At JHP medical we make weekly information videos. If you
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What is Lisinopril?
Lisinopril is a medication available on prescription from your doctor. Lisinopril
belongs to a group of drugs called ace inhibitors. These medications work by widening blood vessels,
reducing stress on the heart, and making it easier to pump blood around your body.
Lisinopril is frequently used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
Some are prescribed this drug following a heart attack or stroke. Evidence has demonstrated for
individuals who suffer a heart attack, lisinopril increases life expectancy.
It does this by helping prevent further heart attacks or strokes.
Is there anyone who should not take Lisinopril?
It is best to speak with your doctor before taking
this medication if you have any of the following conditions:
• You have had a previous allergic reaction to Lisinopril
or other ace inhibitor medications. • You suffer from low blood pressure
• Have a history of kidney disease or are receiving dialysis.
• Have liver disease or blood disorders • You are on a low salt diet
• You are receiving desensitisation treatment to reduce your allergy to insect stings
Furthermore, Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugars more closely in the first few
weeks. Lisinopril is known to lower blood sugar levels, which may increase your risk of hypos.
Is Lisinopril safe in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
Lisinopril is not safe for use in pregnancy. This medication can harm your baby by causing long-term
damage to the kidneys and lungs. Therefore, if you are sexually active, you must use effective
contraception. If you are planning to get pregnant discuss this with your doctor early.
If you have recently become pregnant,
speak with your doctor as soon as possible to seek a suitable alternative.
We do not know how much of this drug is present in mum's milk during breastfeeding.
However, it is likely to be only a small amount. Breastfeeding mums
should speak with their doctor for a safer alternative.
Is it safe to take Lisinopril with my current medications?
Lisinopril may interact with several medications, affecting how lisinopril
works. Your prescribing doctor will need to be aware if you are taking any of the following:
• medication used to manage blood pressure, e.g., Aliskiren
• Diuretic medication o Those which make you pee more, e.g., furosemide
• Medicines that can increase the amount of potassium in your blood,
o E.g., spironolactone, losartan/valsartan, potassium
supplements, and some birth control pills • Specialist heart medications such as sacubitril
• Drugs that weaken the immune system (such as azathioprine, everolimus, sirolimus)
• Diabetic medications • Gout medication called Allopurinol
• Lithium, a mood stabiliser • Antidiarrheal medication, Racecadotril
This list is not exhaustive. For more information
see the drug information leaflet that comes with your medications.
What is the correct dose of Lisinopril?
Lisinopril comes in a wide variety of strengths, and this will vary significantly depending on the
indication. Typical starting doses range between 2.5-10mg, rising to a maximum of 80mg per day.
How long will I need to take my medication?
Most individuals prescribed lisinopril will need to continue this medication
lifelong. Those taking lisinopril to control high blood pressure
will see a rise in their blood pressure should they stop their medication.
Keeping blood pressures well controlled over the
long term will help reduce heart attacks and strokes.
How long does it take for Lisinopril to work?
Many individuals will not have experienced any symptoms before starting this medication,
e.g., those with high blood pressure. Therefore,
you may not feel any different whilst taking this medication.
Lisinopril gets to work soon after you start your medication. If you are taking this medication to
help manage symptoms of heart failure it may take several weeks to feel the full benefit.
How to take Lisinopril
Lisinopril, for the majority, will be once-daily dosing.
Aim to take this medication at the same time every day. Lisinopril may
be taken with or without food, but please ensure you have a large glass of water.
Are there any foods I should avoid?
It is best to avoid any salt substitutes such as
LO SALT. Salt substitutes may contain higher levels of potassium.
Taking salt substitutes alongside your lisinopril may cause an increase in
blood potassium levels. In rare circumstances, high blood potassium can be life-threatening.
Can I Drink Alcohol with this medication?
For many drinking alcohols alongside, this medication is not a problem. For others,
they can experience dizziness. This is because alcohol in combination with lisinopril
can lower your blood pressure lower than intended.
If you are someone that experiences dizziness with this medication it is best to avoid alcohol.
I have missed my dose. What should I do?
If you forget to take your Lisinopril on time,
do not worry, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you only remember
the following day skip the missed dose. Remember to take your next dose at the regular time.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
I have accidentally taken too much medication.
Lisinopril can be dangerous if you take too much, and you should seek emergency medical
advice. Symptoms of overdose include feeling dizzy or lightheaded, palpitations, and sleepiness.
Are there any side effects?
Many people will not experience any side effects. However,
as with all medications side, effects can occur.
Individuals experience dizziness when taking their first dose. To reduce this,
you can take your first dose in the evening. These side effects
should improve as your body becomes accustomed used to the medication.
Common side-effects you should discuss with your doctor are:
• A dry persistent cough • Persistent feeling of dizziness or lightheaded
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea • Headaches or blurring of your vision
Less commonly, people experience
more concerning side effects. If you experience any of the following,
please consult with your doctor urgently: • A change in the colour of your skin,
yellowing of your eyes, lightening of your poo, or darkening of your wee, may indicate lisinopril is
having a detrimental effect on your liver. • Severe tummy pain – may indicate
inflammation of your pancreas • The development of swelling to your ankles,
difficulty going for a wee, or the presence of blood in your urine
may indicate serious kidney problems. • Development of bruising, unusual bleeding,
feeling tired, sore throat or fever may indicate the presence of a blood
• Muscle weakness, slow irregular heartbeats, or fainting may be signs of a high blood potassium
Allergic reactions are concerning as they may be life-threatening. Fortunately,
life-threatening allergic reactions are rare.
Those with serious allergic reactions should call emergency services for assistance. Symptoms of a
severe allergic reaction can include: • Swelling of the face,
lips, mouth, and throat • Difficulty breathing,
wheezing or chest tightness • Allergic skin rash
Of course, this list is not exhaustive. For a full list of side effects refer
to the drug information leaflet that comes with your medications.
I hope this video has supplied the answers you were looking for.
Of course, this video does not provide individual
medical advice and is intended for information purposes only.
Do not consider this as a substitute for professional medical advice,
diagnosis, or treatment. Please do not ignore professional
medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have heard here.
If you believe you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or ambulance service.