Lisinopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Lisinopril is also used to improve survival after a heart attack. Lisinopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
Precautions with Lisinopril


    *      tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lisinopril, enalapril (Vasotec), benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other medications.
    *      tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin); diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
    *      tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease; diabetes; lupus; scleroderma; or angioedema, a condition that causes difficulty swallowing or breathing and painful swelling of the the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
    *      tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
    *      if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking lisinopril.
    *      you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.


    Lisinopril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take lisinopril, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lisinopril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
    Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of lisinopril and gradually increase your dose.
    Lisinopril controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Continue to take lisinopril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lisinopril without talking to your doctor.
    Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.


    Lisinopril may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
    * cough
    * dizziness
    * headache
    * excessive tiredness
    * upset stomach
    * diarrhea
    * weakness
    * sneezing
    * runny nose
    * decrease in sexual ability
    * rash

    Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
    * swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
    * hoarseness
    * difficulty breathing or swallowing
    * fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
    * yellowing of the skin or eyes
    * lightheadedness
    * fainting
    * chest pain

    Lisinopril may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.