Description
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. It blocks an enzyme the body uses to make a hormone that narrows blood vessels, so the vessels relax and blood pressure falls, and the heart has less work to do. It is licensed for high blood pressure, for heart failure, for use after a heart attack, and for kidney disease in people with diabetes.
The tablet is taken once daily, with or without food, at about the same time each day. The first dose can lower blood pressure more than later ones, so take care standing up. A dry, tickly cough is the best known side effect of this class and does not settle while the medicine is continued. Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat is rare but needs urgent medical attention.
Your prescriber will check your kidney function and blood salts with a blood test. This medicine must not be taken in pregnancy.
- ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure, heart failure and diabetic kidney disease
- Available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets, taken once daily
- A persistent dry cough is a recognised effect of this class
- Take care standing up after the first dose or a dose increase
- Blood tests check kidney function and blood salts
- Not for use in pregnancy; tell your prescriber if you may be pregnant
