Lisinopril is a prescription medicine that lowers blood pressure by inhibiting the enzyme that causes contraction of the blood vessels. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is an increasingly common disease that can be effectively managed with medication. It occurs when contraction of blood vessels causes them to narrow, increasing the pressure of blood flowing through them. This makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body.
Like most medication there are several side effects takers may suffer. A cough is fairly common when taking lisinopril but usually resolves several weeks after starting this medicine. The complaint is typically of a dry cough and is just as common in men as in women. Sneezing and a runny nose are also reported but at a lower rate than for cough. For most people taking lisinopril, the respiratory side effects are not serious enough to warrant discontinuation of the drug.
Another common side effect when taking lisinopril is gastrointestinal irritation. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting can occur as the digestive tract is affected by the medication. Because this medicine is generally prescribed in a once daily dose, users may find that adjusting the timing of the dose can cut down on these unwanted symptoms. Some people find that taking the medicine with food helps to control side effects while others report that taking the dose on an empty stomach is better. The body's absorption of the medicine is not affected by food in the stomach and can be taken in either manner.
Lisinopril has potential nervous system side effects. MedlinePlus states that headache and dizziness have been reported in some people taking this drug. Another possible nervous system side effect is paresthesia, or the feeling of "pins and needles" in a limb. This is typically a transient condition and disappears in a short period of time. A dose change may alleviate the nervous system side effects so patients should report these symptoms to the prescribing physician.
Like most medication there are several side effects takers may suffer. A cough is fairly common when taking lisinopril but usually resolves several weeks after starting this medicine. The complaint is typically of a dry cough and is just as common in men as in women. Sneezing and a runny nose are also reported but at a lower rate than for cough. For most people taking lisinopril, the respiratory side effects are not serious enough to warrant discontinuation of the drug.
Another common side effect when taking lisinopril is gastrointestinal irritation. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting can occur as the digestive tract is affected by the medication. Because this medicine is generally prescribed in a once daily dose, users may find that adjusting the timing of the dose can cut down on these unwanted symptoms. Some people find that taking the medicine with food helps to control side effects while others report that taking the dose on an empty stomach is better. The body's absorption of the medicine is not affected by food in the stomach and can be taken in either manner.
Lisinopril has potential nervous system side effects. MedlinePlus states that headache and dizziness have been reported in some people taking this drug. Another possible nervous system side effect is paresthesia, or the feeling of "pins and needles" in a limb. This is typically a transient condition and disappears in a short period of time. A dose change may alleviate the nervous system side effects so patients should report these symptoms to the prescribing physician.
