How should I take lisinopril?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from
this medication.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Lisinopril can be taken with or without food.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can
lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking
lisinopril. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be
checked on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not
miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking
lisinopril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you
feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store lisinopril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Symptoms of a lisinopril overdose may include feeling extremely
dizzy or
light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking lisinopril?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase
some of the side effects of lisinopril.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking lisinopril, unless
your doctor has told you to.
What are the possible side effects of lisinopril?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips,
tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
feeling light-headed, fainting;
-
urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
-
tired feeling, muscle weakness, and pounding or uneven
heartbeats;
-
chest pain; or
-
swelling, rapid weight gain.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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