LISINOPRIL (Prinivil, Zestril) is an antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering agent) known as an ACE inhibitor. Lisinopril controls high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels; it is not a cure. High blood pressure levels can damage your kidneys, and may lead to a stroke or heart failure. Lisinopril also helps to treat patients with heart failure (heart does not pump strongly enough). Generic lisinopril tablets are available.

Special precautions

Tell your doctor:

• If you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs.
• If you are taking other medicines
• If you are on a special diet, such as dyes, foods, other ACE inhibitors, a low-salt diet; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; an unusual or allergic reaction to lisinopril, or preservatives; breast-feeding.
• If you have any of these conditions; low blood pressure; heart or blood vessel disease; bone marrow disease; previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema); autoimmune disease (such as lupus), or suppressed immune function; kidney disease.

Side effects

• swelling of your face, lips, or tongue
• skin rash, itching;
• numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes;
• fever or chills;
• fever or chills;
• fast or uneven heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain;
• dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells;
• difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing;
• decreased amount of urine passed;

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention are change in taste; headache; cough; tiredness.

Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking lisinopril.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how lisinopril affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you dizzier.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are using lisinopril. Avoid salt substitutes or other foods or substances high in potassium salts.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using lisinopril without asking your health care professional for advice.