$Unique_ID{BRK02003}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{LISINOPRIL}
$Subject{Prinivil (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
Zestril (Stuart)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


LISINOPRIL
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Prinivil (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
     Zestril (Stuart)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     lisinopril
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg)
STORAGE:
     Store this medication away from heat, direct light, or moisture.

USES

     Lisinopril is currently approved for the treatment of hypertension (high
blood pressure).  It is also being investigated for the treatment of heart
failure.  Lisinopril is a vasodilator (it widens the blood vessels) that acts
by blocking the production of chemicals that may be responsible for
constricting blood vessels.

TREATMENT

     The duration of action of lisinopril permits once-a-day dosing.
Lisinopril can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food if it causes
stomach irritation.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.
     In some patients it may require two to four weeks of therapy to achieve
maximum therapeutic benefit.
     Lisinopril does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control
the condition as long as you continue to take the medication.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Dizziness; headache; fatigue; diarrhea; nasal congestion; or dry, hacking
cough.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your physician about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain; chills; difficult or painful urination; fever; itching; mouth
sores; palpitations; prolonged vomiting or diarrhea; rash; shortness of
breath; sore throat; swelling of the face, hands, or feet; tingling in the
fingers or toes; unusual bleeding or bruising; or yellowing of the eyes or
skin.

INTERACTIONS

     1.  Lisinopril tends to cause retention of potassium in the body.  Many
salt substitutes contain potassium chloride and should only be used with the
advice of your physician.  Caution should also be observed with low-salt
foods, some of which may contain significant amounts of potassium.  Other
medications such as the diuretics (water pills), triamterene, spironolactone,
or amiloride may cause potassium retention.  Use of these medications together
with lisinopril may lead to excessive levels of potassium in the blood.
     2. The anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin may reduce the effectiveness
of lisinopril.
     3. Excessive hypotension (low blood pressure) may occur when starting
lisinopril in patients on diuretics.
     Before starting to take lisinopril, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to lisinopril, captopril, or enalapril.
     * Tell your doctor if you experience light-headedness, which may be a
symptom of excessive hypotension (low blood pressure).  This is especially
likely to occur during the first few days of therapy.  If fainting occurs,
stop the drug and consult with your physician.
     * Excessive perspiration or dehydration may cause an excessive fall in
blood pressure.
     * Report any evidence of infections (such as sore throat or fever) to
your physician.
     * If you have high blood pressure, do not take any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medication for weight control, or for allergy, asthma,
sinus, cough, or cold problems unless you first check with your doctor.
     * Because lisinopril is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, be
sure to report to your physician any symptoms of kidney disease, such as
difficulty in urinating.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant.  The safety of lisinopril has not been established in pregnant
women.  Studies in certain animals, in which administered doses far exceeded
those used in humans, have shown a decrease in the number of successful
pregnancies.  Also tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It
is not known whether lisinopril passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
