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BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION LISINOPRIL - AN OVERVIEW

By Tess Thompson

Self medication is a dangerous habit. The pamphlet that accompanies the medicines that you purchase should be enough to help you understand that all medication should be taken under the guidance of a trained medical professional. Unfortunately, many fail to appreciate this aspect of allopathic medication.

Almost all allopathic drugs have some side effects. Even the relatively harmless aspirin has side effects. Added to the possibility of side effects, there are also effects of drug interactions to be wary of. Being aware of these complications is extremely crucial especially when you are undergoing protracted treatment.

Hypertension is one such disorder that may require a life long treatment that involves high blood pressure medication. Hypertension is a state of consistent high blood pressure caused by constriction of blood vessels or some other underlying disease.

Lisinopril is one of the hypertension drugs that can be chosen for treatment by your physician. It is an ACE inhibiting drug administered as an antihypertensive. In most cases, it is chosen after the individual has undergone a heart attack.

ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. This enzyme is instrumental in converting angiotensin, a vasoconstrictor substance that narrows blood vessels, into its active form angiotensin II. ACE inhibitors like lisinopril block the enzyme and therefore curb the conversion process reducing blood pressure.

Lisinopril is a prescription medicine (trade names Prinival or Zestril). It should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor and the exact dosage and timing should be maintained. It should be taken consistently at the same time everyday so as to avoid major fluctuations in blood pressure.

If your doctor prescribes lisinopril make sure that you discuss the following matters with him due to some of the drug interactions:

* Antacids - Antacids tend to bind with the drug and hamper its absorption.
* Potassium supplements - Lisinopril may increase potassium levels in the blood.
* Diuretics - Diuretics too tend to affect potassium levels and should be taken with lisinopril only under doctor’s orders.
* Pregnancy - lisinopril may have a negative affect on the fetus. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a child. It is recommended that you use birth control measures for as long as you are on lisinopril. It is not clear whether the drug has any affect on the child during breast feeding but it is better to avoid it.

The moment you are told of your rising blood pressure it is better to nip it in the bud by taking remedial and preventive measures like natural remedies for high blood pressure rather than allowing the condition to escalate.

ACE inhibitors can have negative side effects that can be uncomfortable for some. The first dose of lisinopril may cause a fall in blood pressure accompanied by dizziness and therefore should be taken in the presence of a doctor. On the first signs of an allergic reaction like swelling in the face, lips tongue or throat, lisinopril should be stopped.

Although uncommon, lisnopril can lead to a significant drop in the white blood cell count. This can greatly reduce your capacity to fight mild ailments. Dry persistent cough is a common side effect of this drug.

Lisinopril can have a negative impact on kidney function, cause anxiety, insomnia and nasal congestion. As the treatment may be prolonged it is recommended that you have regular medical check ups to avoid serious complications.

References:
http://www.medicinenet.com/lisinopril/article.htm
http://www.drugs.com/lisinopril.html