How lisinopril works
Lisinopril belongs to the group of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The active ingredient blocks the enzyme ACE and thus influences one of the body’s most important systems for regulating blood pressure: the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS system).
If this system is disturbed, it can lead to increased blood pressure. Those affected usually do not notice it, and insidiously the high blood pressure worsens.
The small vessels in particular, such as those found in the eye and kidney, suffer from the constantly increased pressure. If it is not treated, it can have dire consequences, such as loss of vision and kidney dysfunction. The heart is also affected.
To prevent such consequential damage, blood pressure must be normalized. This is sometimes achieved with weight reduction and more exercise. Often, however, blood pressure-lowering drugs are also necessary.
In addition, lisinopril reduces the enlargement (hypertrophy) of the heart and suppresses “cardiac remodeling,” i.e., the unwanted tissue remodeling after a heart attack, for example. For this reason, the active ingredient is an important component of treatment for heart failure, irrespective of blood pressure.
Absorption, degradation and excretion
After absorption by mouth (peroral), the active substance is incompletely absorbed from the intestine into the blood. It is distributed throughout the body and is finally excreted unchanged by the kidneys.
When is Lisinopril used?
The indications for use (indications) of lisinopril include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Short-term treatment of acute myocardial infarction
- Treatment of symptomatic heart failure (heart failure)
- @ Treatment of renal complications in diabetes mellitus
How lisinopril is used
The tablets only need to be taken once a day, preferably with a large glass of water and always at the same time of day.
What are the side effects of lisinopril?
Lisinopril often causes drowsiness, headache, cough, gastrointestinal problems and low blood pressure (hypotension) in one to ten percent of patients.
More rarely, allergic reactions, behavioral changes, and circulatory problems in the distal phalanges of the fingers (Raynaud’s syndrome) occur during treatment.
What should be considered when taking Lisinopril?
Contraindications
Medications containing lisinopril should not be used in the following cases:
- If the treated person has a so-called Quincke’s edema (acute swelling of the skin/mucous membrane, mostly on the face).
- In women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy (trimester).
- In patients treated with valsartan/sacubitril (drug for heart failure).
Drug Interactions
Lisinopril enhances the effect of the following substances when taken concomitantly:
- lithium (in schizophrenia)
- antidepressants (like mirtazapine)
- insulin and oral antidiabetics (medicines for diabetes)
Taking lisinopril in combination with ciclosporin (immunosuppressant), heparin (anticoagulant) or cotrimoxazole (antibiotic) increases the risk of excessive blood potassium levels.
Driving and operating machines
Since drowsiness or dizziness may occasionally occur as a side effect, patients should observe their body’s reaction to the drug, especially at the beginning of treatment with lisinopril. A decision should then be made – together with the physician, if necessary – as to whether one may actively participate in road traffic or operate heavy machinery.
Age restrictions
Medicines containing lisinopril may be used in children, if necessary.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Lisinopril should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding to treat elevated blood pressure. Better-tested antihypertensives are available for this purpose, such as alpha-methyldopa or metoprolol.
How to get medicines with lisinopril
How long has lisinopril been known?
The group of so-called ACE inhibitors has only existed since the 1980s. The first representative of this group was found in the venom of a species of snake that incapacitates its victims by causing a sudden drop in blood pressure.
In order to develop an effective drug from this, the chemical structure of the substance was continually improved until the current representatives of the ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril were arrived at.