Lisinopril: uses, side effects and blood test checks

Lisinopril is prescribed for high blood pressure, for people who have recently had a heart attack, for kidney problems caused by diabetes and, alongside other medicines, for heart failure.

It belongs to the ACE inhibitor group. By relaxing and widening the blood vessels it lowers blood pressure and reduces the work the heart has to do. The NHS page does not name a brand.

Adults and children over six can usually take lisinopril. It is unsuitable if you have had an allergic reaction to lisinopril or another ACE inhibitor, if you have had angioedema, if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you are going to have desensitisation therapy.

Say if you are pregnant or trying for a baby; the NHS explains below why it is not generally used in pregnancy.

Lisinopril comes as tablets, swallowed whole with a glass of water, or as a liquid. The NHS says a doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it gradually over a few days or weeks. Try to take it at the same time each day. You can eat normally.

How long you take it varies: some people for a few weeks, others for several months or more. The NHS says you may have regular blood tests or other checks while taking it.

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next is nearly due; then skip it. Do not take two together. Taking an extra dose can be dangerous, so call NHS 111 if you have taken more than prescribed.

Common effects are headache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness (especially on standing up quickly), a dry cough that does not go away, and kidney problems picked up on blood tests. If one bothers you, mention it to a pharmacist or doctor.

Serious effects include anaphylaxis with throat or tongue swelling and difficulty breathing, kidney failure with blood in the urine or passing less urine, and angioedema with facial swelling. The NHS notes a higher risk of angioedema in people with black skin. Call 111 for suspected serious effects; swelling that affects breathing needs 999.

Medicines named by the NHS include other blood pressure and heart medicines, asthma medicines, aciclovir, amitriptyline, cefalexin, the diuretic bendroflumethiazide, heparin, lithium and ibuprofen. The list is not complete, so tell prescribers and pharmacists about everything you take.

Alcohol can increase the risk of low blood pressure, so it may be best to avoid it. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive, cycle or use machinery until it passes.

The NHS says lisinopril is not usually used during pregnancy because it can affect how the baby's kidneys, skull, lungs and joints develop, reduce the amniotic fluid and raise the risk of stillbirth. A doctor will suggest an alternative.

It may be taken while breastfeeding, but check first because small amounts pass into milk; enalapril is sometimes preferred while nursing.

Other ACE inhibitors include ramipril, enalapril and perindopril; angiotensin receptor blockers such as losartan are used when a cough develops. Report suspected side effects via the Yellow Card scheme.