Health Library

Lisinopril

(lyse in’ oh pril)

Lisinopril (Prinivil®, Zestril®, Qbrelis®) belongs to a class of medicines known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It is used to treat mild to severe high blood pressure as well as congestive heart failure and kidney disease. It is also sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor for more information. Lisinopril is given as a tablet, usually once a day. A liquid suspension is also available. Your doctor may start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed.

Special Instructions

• Give this medication only as directed, and do not stop unless directed to stop by your child's doctor.
• This medication can be taken with or without food.
• Tell your doctor about any allergies, especially medication allergies.
• Tell your doctor about your child’s other conditions, especially heart and kidney disease, diabetes, lupus, scleroderma or angioedema.
• Tell your doctor what prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements your child is taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aliskiren (for diabetes), NSAIDS (such as Motrin, ibuprofen), lithium, diuretics, and any medication raising potassium or decreasing kidney function.
• Do not use a salt substitute or potassium supplement without your doctor's advice, since ACE inhibitors may also increase potassium.
• Limit or avoid natural licorice, which can cause the body to retain sodium and water.
• Follow up with your doctor on a regular basis. Your doctor may do blood tests to make sure the medicine is working properly, and may make changes to your child’s dose as needed.
• Do not take ACE inhibitors if you are pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant, since ACE inhibitors may be harmful to the fetus, especially in early pregnancy.
• You may feel lightheaded when you first start taking this medication, or if your doctor increases the dose. Standing up slowly and drinking plenty of fluids may help. If you have a fainting spell, call your doctor right away.
• Plan ahead so you do not run out of medication since this may cause swings in blood pressure.
• Tell your doctor if your child is having surgery, or a sedated procedure, since he or she may want to adjust the medicine around the procedure time.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiration date on the bottle or package.
• Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
• If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor right away.

If Your Child Misses a Dose

For any information related to your child's medicine dosing schedule and / or missed doses, call the healthcare provider who prescribed the medicine. If a dose is missed, do not double the dose; just take the next dose as scheduled.

Possible Side Effects of Medication

• Dizziness
• Rash
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach
• Chest pain, fast heart beat
• Changes in lab / blood work

There may be other side effects, so call your doctor if you have any concerns.

Call Your Child's Doctor If:

Call if your child is having any side effects, especially:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, face, hands, feet or ankles
• Vomiting, diarrhea or other condition causing dehydration, since this may lower blood pressure.
• Excessive sweating
• Persistent cough
• Fainting
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Fever, or other signs of infection