Brand names – Zestril, Prinivil
Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Angiotensin narrows blood vessels and maintains (elevates) blood pressure. When the enzyme is blocked by lisinopril, angiotensin cannot be converted into its active form. As a result, blood pressure falls. Lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors were developed from the venom of a poisonous Brazilian snake.
SIDE EFFECTS:
First doses of lisinopril can cause dizziness due to a drop in blood pressure. It should be stopped if there are signs of allergic reactions – including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat and/or hives.
A dangerous side effect is a drop in the white blood cells, which fight infection.
Cough is also a known side effect of this drug.
Lisinopril can impair function of the kidneys and every person taking this medication should have their kidney function checked.
Lisinopril can cause nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, nasal congestion and sexual dysfunction.
If you’re taking a diuretic and Lisinopril, you may develop excessively low blood pressure, becoming dizzy, light-headed, or faint. Don’t drive, operate machinery, or participate in any activity that requires full mental alertness till you’re certain Lisinopril doesn’t have this effect on you. If you develop chest pain, sore throat, fever-chills, contact your doctor – it could indicate a more serious condition. If your skin and whites of your eyes turn yellow, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor. (www.medicinenet.com)
We should all know by now, that yellowing of skin or whites of eyes indicates liver failure!
Lisinopril was developed by Merck & Co. and is marketed worldwide as Prinivil or Tensopril and by AstraZeneca as Zestril. In India it is marketed by Micro Labs as Hipril. In the United States, a generic version is available. Like other ACE inhibitors, it is derived from the venom of the jararaca, a Brazilian pit viper – Bothrops jararaca.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisinopril)
FYI – MERCK is a leading research-oriented pharmaceutical-chemical company with facilities in 28 countries. The main activity of Merck is the marketing/distribution of: chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics and pigments. Merck has established itself as a leading supplier to universities, the Electronic, Environmental, Cosmetic, Food and Pharma industry. Combining vitamin supplements with ‘new ingredients’ is driving growth at Merck’s ‘consumer health care’ business – Merck makes 1/3 of its profits from vitamin and mineral supplements – sales (2-18-05) – $352 million. The market can expect further new multivitamin combinations. (Dominique Patton – www.nutraingredients.com)
