Before taking lisinopril

Before taking lisinopril make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from kidney or liver problems.
• If you have heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced).
• If you suffer from a collagen vascular disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or scleroderma.
• If you are on a salt restricted diet or use salt substitutes which contain potassium.
• If you have cardiomyopathy (cardiac muscle disease) or aortic stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessel from the heart).
• If you have atherosclerosis (the build up of fatty deposits on the walls of arteries).
• If you suffer from peripheral vascular disease (a particular type of poor circulation).
• If you have a history of angioedema (where the face, tongue and throat swell) or have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are having LDL apheresis (the removal of cholesterol from the blood by a machine).
• If you are having desensitisation treatment for bee and wasp stings.
• If you are having dialysis treatment.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take lisinopril

• Before beginning treatment you should read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take lisinopril exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take your dose at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. It is usually taken during the day but your doctor may advise you to take your very first dose just before going to bed.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably need to have blood tests and blood pressure tests to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Try to avoid drinking too much alcohol as this will affect your blood pressure. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Treatment with lisinopril is usually life-long.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with lisinopril.

Can lisinopril cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

• If you experience swelling of the throat, tongue or face, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.
• If you experience chest pain, severe back pain, develop a severe sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), speak with your doctor or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store lisinopril

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Zestril® 2.5mg, 5mg,10mg, and 20mg tablets, AstraZeneca UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2008, accessed April 2009.
• British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.