What Are the Side Effects of Lisinopril

Lisinopril is an oral tablet used to treat heart failure and hypertension (high blood pressure). To increase your chances of surviving heart attacks, you can also use this drug.

Lisinopril (available in the market under the brand names Prinivil and Zestril) belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. A class is simply a group of medications that have a similar effect and treat the same ailment. The drug works by relaxing the blood vessels in the body. Doing so helps reduce the stress felt by your heart and thus reduces blood pressure.

Side Effects of Using Lisinopril

Just like any other medication available in the market, Lisinopril comes with some side effects. These effects will not affect everyone who takes the drug, but unfortunately, a few individuals will experience them.
Take a look below at the side effects that you should expect when using Lisinopril.

We will class these side effects into two groups, typical side effects and severe side effects.

Common Side Effects

Below are the typical and minor side effects that will occur when you start using the drug. The side effects include:
•    Headache.
•    Dizziness.
•    Persistent cough.
•    Low blood pressure.
•    Chest pain.

However, the side effects only last for a few days or a week or two of using the drug. However, if the effects persist, you should visit your doctor for assistance.

Serious Side Effects

Some people will have serious side effects when using Lisinopril. If you experience these side effects, you should get to the nearest health facility as soon as you can.

Some of the side effects are:

•    Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity).
•    Kidney problems.
•    Liver failure.
•    High potassium levels.

Symptoms of the above include:
Kidney Failure

The patient will experience;
•    Tiredness.
•    Swelling, especially of your hands, feet, or ankles.
•    Shortness of breath.
•    Weight gain.

High Potassium Levels

The use of Lisinopril may cause the potassium levels in your body to get to dangerously high levels. As a result of this high potassium, you may develop arrhythmia (heart rate or rhythm problems).

The risk to your life will be greater if you have kidney disease or diabetes or if you're taking other drugs that increase potassium levels.

Allergic Reaction (Hypersensitivity)

A few individuals will face an allergic reaction to the drug when taking it. In such a case, please stop taking the medication immediately and get to a hospital.  

The symptoms are like

•    Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
•    Trouble breathing.
•    Trouble swallowing.
•    Stomach pain. It may include nausea or vomiting.
Liver Failure

The symptoms of liver failure will include:

•    Elevated liver enzymes.
•    Skin yellowing and the whites of your eyes.
•    Nausea and vomiting.
•    Stomach pain.


However, it is essential to note that the drug is not suitable for use by pregnant persons. If you have a prescription for Lisinopril and you get pregnant, you should consult your doctor immediately. Using Lisinopril when pregnant will cause harm to your unborn child. Your doctor will recommend alternate ways to lower your blood pressure when you are pregnant.

It is important to note that drugs affect individuals differently, and as such, the above information may not include all the side effects of using Lisinopril. If you experience any unusual effects when using the drug, you should consult your doctor immediately. The above information is medical advice.


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