Side effects of lisinopril 10 mg tablets. Lisinopril Side Effects: Understanding Risks and Management

16.10.202123.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common side effects of lisinopril. How can you manage dizziness caused by lisinopril. When should you seek medical attention for lisinopril side effects. What are the signs of a serious allergic reaction to lisinopril.

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Common Side Effects of Lisinopril: What to Expect

Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart conditions, can cause side effects in some individuals. While many people experience no or only minor side effects, it’s important to be aware of potential reactions. Here are the most common side effects experienced by more than 1 in 100 people taking lisinopril:

Dry, persistent cough
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Itching or mild skin rash
Blurred vision

Managing a Persistent Cough

One of the most notable side effects of lisinopril is a dry, tickly cough that doesn’t improve with typical cough medicines. How long does this cough typically last? The cough may persist for up to a month, even after discontinuing the medication. If the cough significantly impacts your quality of life or sleep, consult your doctor about alternative treatments.

Dealing with Dizziness

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, especially when changing positions, is another common side effect of lisinopril. What can you do to manage this symptom? Try these strategies:

Change positions slowly, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position
If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until the sensation passes
Avoid driving or operating machinery when experiencing dizziness
Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea

Lisinopril can sometimes cause gastrointestinal disturbances. How should you manage these symptoms? For both vomiting and diarrhea, the key is to prevent dehydration:

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or electrolyte solutions
Take small, frequent sips to avoid overwhelming your stomach
Monitor for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or dark urine
Consult a pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications for these symptoms

If you experience severe or prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s crucial to inform your doctor. They may recommend temporarily discontinuing lisinopril until your condition improves.

Skin Reactions and Visual Disturbances

Lisinopril can occasionally cause skin reactions or affect vision. What should you do if you experience these side effects?

Itching and Skin Rash

For mild itching or skin rash, an over-the-counter antihistamine may provide relief. Always consult a pharmacist to ensure the antihistamine is suitable for you, especially if you’re taking other medications.

Blurred Vision

If you experience blurred vision while taking lisinopril, it’s important to exercise caution. Avoid activities that require clear vision, such as driving or operating machinery. If the visual disturbance persists for more than a couple of days, contact your healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust your treatment.

Recognizing Serious Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Attention

While rare, lisinopril can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. What are the warning signs to watch for?

Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), indicating potential liver problems
Unusual paleness, fatigue, or easy bruising/bleeding, which may suggest blood disorders
Severe stomach pain, possibly indicating pancreatitis
Swollen ankles, blood in urine, or decreased urination, which could signal kidney issues

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help immediately.

Emergency Situations: Recognizing Life-Threatening Reactions

In rare cases, lisinopril can cause severe reactions that require immediate emergency care. What symptoms indicate a need for urgent medical attention?

Sudden weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, or vision changes (possible stroke symptoms)
Rapid heartbeat, chest pain, or tightness (potential heart problems)
Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightening (possible lung issues)

If you experience any of these symptoms, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Anaphylaxis: A Rare but Serious Allergic Reaction

Although extremely rare, lisinopril can cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. What are the signs of anaphylaxis?

Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Severe skin rash or itching
Feeling faint or lightheaded

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. If you suspect you’re experiencing an allergic reaction to lisinopril, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Monitoring and Managing Side Effects: Tips for Lisinopril Users

To ensure safe and effective use of lisinopril, it’s important to monitor your body’s response to the medication. How can you effectively manage potential side effects?

Keep a symptom diary to track any changes in your health after starting lisinopril
Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your medication and its potential effects
Never stop taking lisinopril abruptly without consulting your doctor
Be aware of potential drug interactions and inform all healthcare providers about your lisinopril use

Remember, while side effects can occur, many people take lisinopril without experiencing significant problems. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits of the medication against any potential risks.

Special Considerations: Lisinopril Use in Specific Populations

Certain groups may need to take extra precautions when using lisinopril. What special considerations should be taken into account for different populations?

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Lisinopril is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, as it can cause harm to the developing fetus. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. For breastfeeding mothers, consult your healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of lisinopril, particularly dizziness and changes in blood pressure. Closer monitoring may be necessary, and dosage adjustments might be required.

Patients with Kidney Problems

Since lisinopril is primarily eliminated through the kidneys, individuals with kidney disease may need dose adjustments. Regular kidney function tests may be necessary to ensure safe use of the medication.

Alternative Treatments: Options When Lisinopril Isn’t Suitable

If you experience persistent or severe side effects from lisinopril, your doctor may consider alternative treatments. What other options are available for managing high blood pressure or heart conditions?

Other ACE inhibitors with different side effect profiles
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Calcium channel blockers
Beta-blockers
Diuretics

The choice of alternative medication will depend on your specific medical condition, overall health, and individual response to different treatments. Always work closely with your healthcare provider to find the most suitable option for your needs.

Understanding the potential side effects of lisinopril empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. By staying vigilant, communicating with your healthcare provider, and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can maximize the benefits of this medication while minimizing risks. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and there are always options available if lisinopril proves unsuitable for you.

Side effects of lisinopril – NHS

Like all medicines, lisinopril can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones.

Common side effects

These common side effects of lisinopril happen in more than 1 in 100 people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

A dry, tickly cough that does not get better

Cough medicines do not usually help for coughs caused by lisinopril, and sometimes the cough gets better on its own. Talk to your doctor if it bothers you or stops you sleeping, as another medicine may be better. Even if you stop taking lisinopril, the cough may take up to a month to go away.

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, especially when you stand up or sit up quickly

This is more likely to happen when you start taking lisinopril or move on to a higher dose. If lisinopril makes you feel dizzy when you stand up, try getting up very slowly or stay sitting down until you feel better. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint, then sit until you feel better.

Do not drive, rike a bike or operate tools or machinery until the dizziness passes. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.

Headaches

Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Try not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Talk to your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe.

Being sick (vomiting)

Take small, frequent sips of fluids, such as water or squash, to prevent dehydration. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.

Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor first.

If you take contraceptive pills and you’re being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

If you get vomiting from a stomach bug or illness, tell your doctor. You may need to stop taking lisinopril for a while until you feel better.

Diarrhoea

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash, to prevent dehydration. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.

Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor first.

If you take contraceptive pills and you have severe diarrhoea, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

If you get diarrhoea from a stomach bug or illness, tell your doctor. You may need to stop taking lisinopril for a while until you feel better.

Itching or a mild skin rash

It may help to take an antihistamine, which you can buy from a pharmacy. Check with the pharmacist to see what type is suitable for you.

Blurred vision

Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery while this is happening. If it lasts for more than a day or two, speak to your doctor as they may need to change your treatment.

Serious side effects

It happens rarely, but some people may have serious side effects when taking lisinopril.

Call a doctor or call 111 straight away if:

the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin turns yellow although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin – this can be a sign of liver problems
you’re paler than usual, feel tired, faint or dizzy, have any sign of bleeding (for example bleeding from the gums or bruising more easily than usual), a sore throat, a fever, or you get infections more easily – these can be signs of a blood or bone marrow disorder
you have severe stomach pain – this can be a sign of an inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis)
you have swollen ankles or blood in your pee or you’re not peeing at all – these can be signs of kidney problems

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

you have weakness on one side of your body, trouble speaking or thinking, loss of balance or blurred eyesight – these can be signs of a stroke
you have a faster heart rate, chest pain and tightness in your chest – these can be signs of heart problems
you have shortness of breath, wheezing and tightening of the chest – these can be signs of lung problems

Find your nearest A&E

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to lisinopril.

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
someone faints and cannot be woken up
a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Long term side effects

Taking lisinopril for a long time can sometimes cause your kidneys to not work as well as they should. Your doctor will check how well your kidneys are working with regular blood tests.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of lisinopril. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

Page last reviewed: 17 December 2021

Next review due: 17 December 2024