Side Effects of Lisinopril
Lisinopril, a drug of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, is primarily used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and congestive heart failure. In the first case, lisinopril works by blocking ACE which plays an important role in controlling blood pressure. As a result, blood vessels become relaxed, and blood and oxygen supply to the heart are increased. It is often used with other drugs such as diuretics to treat congestive heart failure. Because of its association with improved survival, post-heart attack patients may be prescribed with lisinopril to increase survival rate, usually within 24 hours of an attack.
As with any medications, lisinopril may cause some side effects, though they are generally mild and either requires no treatment or are easily treated. Common side effects include headaches, dizziness or light-headedness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Other than these, more serious effects may occur depending on the health conditions. For those with high blood pressure, taking the drug may cause additional symptoms such as body weakness and extremely low blood pressure. Clinical trials also showed lisinopril may cause some chest and abdominal pain and upper respiratory infections in those with congestive heart failure.
Additionally, the drug is also reported to affect sexual functions and may induced allergic reactions such as rash, hives and itching. All side effects should be taken seriously and reported to a doctor.
Side effects of lisinopril may be broken down into groups based on the body system:
More unusual side effects have also been reported in which lisinopril was found to affect the metabolic and renal system. Cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in diabetic patients receiving concurrent treatment of insulin and ACE inhibitors, while new (usually mild) or worsened renal insufficiency and proteinuria may affect the renal system.
Consequently, patients with renal artery stenosis are advised not to take lisinopril or any other ACE inhibitor. In addition, endocrine side effects such as inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone syndrome may develop.
Although angiotensin converting enzymes are found in many areas of the central nervous system, their mechanism remains unclear. As a result, psychiatric complications from taking ACE inhibitor-based medications are not well documented. Memory impairment, confusion, irritability, nervousness and hallucinations related to lisinopril prescription are extremely rare, but not altogether impossible.
On the other hand, hypersensitive reactions to lisinopril as with some other ACE inhibitors have been reported in some patients. Some of the symptoms such as intestinal angioedema and angioedema of the face, lips, tongue, glottis or pharynx, may be life-threatening.
Similarly, the hepatic system may be affected, often beginning with cholestatic jaundice which progresses to fulminant hepatic necrosis and sometimes death. In these extreme cases, discontinuation of lisinopril therapy is highly recommended.