Indications
Prinivil is a prescription medication primarily used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension). It can also be prescribed to treat heart failure or to reduce the risk of heart attack in people with a history of heart disease. It is also used to treat heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack.
Prinivil contains lisinopril, which belongs to a class of drugs called ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) inhibitors. Lisinopril works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Uses and Dosage
Lisinopril comes in the form of tablet to take by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. 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.
The dose of lisinopril for adults is typically prescribed once a day, with or without food, and ranges from 2.5 mg to 40 mg daily depending on the condition being treated. People who take other medications that lower blood pressure or have kidney disease may require lower doses. It may take up to 2 weeks to see the full effects of the medication. The dose of lisinopril for children is determined by their body weight. Children weighing 20 to 50 kilograms usually start with 2.5 mg once daily, which may be gradually increased to a daily dose of 20 mg. Children weighing more than 50 kilograms typically start with 5 mg once daily, which may be gradually increased to a daily dose of 40 mg.
Take the tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of the tablet, do not take a double dose to make up for it. Instead, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule as prescribed by your doctor. If you are uncertain about what to do after missing a dose, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Prinivil (Lisinopril):
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Headache
Serious Side Effects of Prinivil (Lisinopril):
- Chest pain
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Irregular heartbeats
- Itching
- Lightheadedness
- Little or no urination
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of movement
- Nausea
- Short of breath
- Sore throat
- Swelling in your feet or ankles
- Tingly feeling
- Tired feeling
- Upper stomach pain
- Weakness
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Form and Strength
Prinivil (Lisinopril) is available in the following forms and strength:
Lisinopril: Tablet
- 2.5 mg
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
Caution
- Prinivil should not be taken during pregnancy as it may harm an unborn baby.
- Patients with a history of allergic reactions to lisinopril or other ACE inhibitors should not take Prinivil.
- Prinivil may interact with other medications, both prescription and over the counter, so patients should inform their healthcare provider of all the medications they are taking.
- Patients with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease, may need to have their dosage adjusted or be monitored closely while taking Prinivil.
- Prinivil may cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, cough, or fatigue, which may affect a patient's ability to perform certain tasks or activities. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Patients who have experienced angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) with a previous use of an ACE inhibitor should not take Prinivil.
- Prinivil may cause low blood pressure, especially in patients who are dehydrated or have low blood volume, or in patients receiving high doses of diuretics.
- Prinivil may cause hyperkalemia (elevated levels of potassium in the blood), which can be a serious side effect in patients with kidney disease or other health conditions.
- Patients who are elderly, have reduced kidney function or are taking other medications that affect kidney function are at an increased risk of developing acute kidney injury.
- Prinivil should not be taken with alcohol or grapefruit juice, as they may interact with the medication and cause unwanted side effects. For patients to inform their healthcare provider of any medical conditions, medications, or concerns before taking Prinivil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does lisinopril (Zestril) take to kick in?
Lisinopril (Zestril) starts to kick in within 1 hour but takes up to 6 hours for the medication to reach its maximum effects.
Will stopping Prinivil suddenly cause withdrawal symptoms?
It is unlikely that stopping Prinivil suddenly will cause withdrawal symptoms, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider before discontinuing the medication.
Can Prinivil cause sexual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction, such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, may occur as a side effect of ACE inhibitors, including Prinivil.
When is the best time to take PRINIVIL?
You'll usually take lisinopril once a day. Your doctor may suggest that you take your first dose before bedtime because it can make you dizzy. After the very first dose, you can take lisinopril at any time of day.
How many hours does it take for lisinopril to lower your blood pressure?
Lisinopril starts to work within a few hours to reduce high blood pressure, but it may take a few weeks for it to take full effect. If you're taking lisinopril for heart failure, it may take weeks, even months, before you feel better.
Resources
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/prinivil
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/019558s054lbl.pdf
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/019558s060lbl.pdf
- https://www.drugs.com/prinivil.html
- https://www.rxlist.com/prinivil-drug.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6993/prinivil-oral/details
- https://www.goodrx.com/lisinopril/what-is
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