What you ought to know about Lisinopril. Lisinopril is an ace-inhibitor blood pressure medication that lowers blood pressure, and it is used to protect your kidneys. It is also used in heart failure and after a heart attack.
Captopril, enalapril, fosinopril and other medications that end in “pril” have similar effects and side effects as lisinopril.
Cough is one of the most aggravating things that most patients complain of when taking lisinopril.
But lisinopril can cause a life-threatening side effect called angioedema. Swelling or numbness of the face, mouth, lip, throat or tongue, or difficulty breathing are life-threating symptoms of angioedema.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Let me tell you a story.
I attended a scientific conference about a year ago, and there was this pharmacist there that asked a very intriguing question about lisinopril. At that time, a panel of medical scientists was presenting the data and findings from the latest research about blood pressure control.
The pharmacist, in a very passionate tone, asked the panel why was lisinopril still being prescribed routinely for African Americans despite the high risk for angioedema when the safer, equally effective, alternative called losartan was readily available.
There was silence in the room. I mean, dead silence.
Needless to say, initially no one on that panel offered an answer to his question. An answer eventually was offered. One panel member said that lisinopril was used more frequently in studies and we have less information on losartan.
While, in my humble opinion, this is a valid answer, we do know that losartan is a safe and equally effective alternative to lisinopril without the risk of angioedema or aggravation of a cough.
In fact, research has shown that even people who have been on lisinopril for years are at risk for a sudden onset of angioedema or cough.
If you are experiencing a dry cough while on lisinopril, consult with your doctor to get your prescription changed to the alternative.
If you are African American, talk with your doctor to see if losartan is right for you to prevent the potential for angioedema.
If you and your doctor decide that lisinopril is better than losartan for you, at least keep an EpiPen handy, just in case you experience symptoms of angioedema. Then, get to an emergency room.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgxwx96X6wY
An epipen is a one-dose self-administration injection (shot) of epinephrine that you can use to reverse the allergic reaction. Your health care provider could provide you with this prescription. See the video below for how to store your epipen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-SkDX8QOnI
Use a trainer to practice how to administer the “>EPIPEN TRAINER.
If you want more information about ace-inhibitors, go to Lisinopril side effects
Resources:
Norman, J. L., Holmes, W. L., Bell, W. A., Finks, & S. W. (2013). Life-threatening ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema after eleven years on lisinopril. Journal for Pharmacy Practice, 26(4), 382-388.
Weng, P. K., Wang, H. W., Lin, J. K., Su, W. Y. (1997). Late-onset life-threatening angioedema and upper airway obstruction caused by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor: Report of a case. Ear Nose Throat Journal, 76(6), 404-407.
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