How Quickly Does Lisinopril Lower Blood Pressure?

Lisinopril is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and it is also proscribed after a heart attack or in a diabetic kidney disease.

It helps to prevent future strokes and heart attacks. Lisinopril helps you improve your survival chances if you recently had a heart attack or a heart failure.

It belongs to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors. It works by relaxing blood vessels so the blood can flow with less pressure.

Is it safe for you to take lisinopril?

Its only recommended for adults and children aged 6 years and over.

Diabetics should check their blood glucose more regularly, specially in the first few weeks after taking lisinopril. It can lower blood sugar quickly too.

Not everyone should take lisinopril. You should talk to your doctor if:

• You have an allergic reaction to losinopril or any other medication in the past
• are trying to have a baby, already pregnant or breastfeeding
• have kidney problems
• have heart problems
• have low blood pressure
• are diabetic
• are going to have a major operation (surgery) or general anaesthetic to put you to sleep
• have recently had diarrhoea or vomiting
• are on a low-salt diet
• are going to have desensitisation treatment to reduce your allergy to insect stings
• have a blood problem, such as a low white blood cell count (neutropenia or agranulocytosis) (source)

How should you take lisinopril?

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Follow all the direction on your prescription label. To make sure you get the best results your doctor may change your dosage occasionally. Always take the right amount and for the right amout of time recommended.

Its important that you drink more water than you use to while taking lisinopril. You can also take it with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Read more: Best blood pressure monitors

Your kidney function and electrolytes may also need to be checked.

Side effects of lisinopril

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to lisinopril: hives; severe stomach pain, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. You may be more likely to have an allergic reaction if you are African-American.

Call your doctor fast if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• fever, sore throat;
• high potassium – nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;
• kidney problems – little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
• liver problems – nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common lisinopril side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• cough; or
• chest pain. (source)

How Quickly Does Lisinopril Lower Blood Pressure?

For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 2 to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. For the treatment of heart failure, it may take weeks to months before you get the full benefit of this medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase). (source)

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

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