VITOPRIL

This medicine contains the active ingredient lisinopril which belongs to the group of medicines called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. ACE inhibitors do not allow the production of angiotensin II hormone which causes the compression of the blood vessels, so that they are relaxed and wide and the blood pressure is lowered. This medicine is prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure and symptomatic heart failure (hearth is no longer able to pump blood as it should). It is also prescribed if you have had a heart attack and your heart is still weak, or if you have kidney problems caused by diabetes or high blood pressure.  

Is Lisinopril suitable for me?

Lisinopril is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic to lisinopril, other ACE inhibitor medicines or other ingredients of this medicine
• if you are taking medicines containing aliskiren
• if you have diabetes
• if you have kidney problems
• if you are more than 3 months pregnant
• if it is meant for children under 6 years

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• have a heart problem
• have diabetes
• have kidney or liver problems
• are receiving dialysis
• have problems with your immune system
• are on a low salt diet
• have atherosclerosis (fatty deposits on the walls of your arteries)
• have peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation)
• have collagen vascular disease, as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or scleroderma
• have cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), or aortic stenosis (narrowing of the main blood vessel from your heart)
• have ever had angioedema
• are planning surgery
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Lisinopril interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Lisinopril?

This medicine is available in form of a tablet.

You should take lisinopril exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• For the treatment of high blood pressure, the usual starting dose is 10 mg once a day, and the maintenance dose is 20 mg once a day.
• For the treatment of heart failure, the usual starting dose is 2.5 mg once a day, and the maintenance dose is 5 to 35 mg once a day.
• After a heart attack, the usual starting dose is 5 mg per day, and the usual maintenance dose is 10 mg once a day.
• For the treatment of kidney problems caused by diabetes, the usual dose is 10 mg or 20 mg once a day.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Lisinopril side effects?

Like all medicines lisinopril can cause side effects, including:

Common:

• dizziness, headache
• cough
• nausea, vomiting
• diarrhea
• skin rash
• kidney problems

Uncommon:

• depression, confusion
• taste disturbance
• sleepiness
• vertigo
• insomnia
• stroke
• fast heartbeat
• runny nose
• nausea
• stomach pain or indigestion
• skin rash or itching
• impotence
• tiredness, weakness
• heart attack

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.