How Long Does Lisinopril Continue Acting

Lisinopril is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This prescription medication, which is available as a tablet or a liquid, can also be used to treat heart disease and diabetic kidney disease.

Lisinopril can begin lowering blood pressure within hours of the first dose, but you might not feel any different when you're on the medication.

Here's what you should know about taking lisinopril, including how quickly it lowers blood pressure.

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How Quickly Does Lisinopril Lower Blood Pressure?

Lisinopril, commonly sold under the brand name Zestril, begins to lower blood pressure within six hours of the first dose being administered. This is true with all doses, although adults who are on a dose of at least 20 milligrams (mg) have more consistent results and a more significant drop in blood pressure.

Research has also shown that Black individuals can be slightly less responsive to lisinopril than other populations. As such Black individuals may be prescribed additional medications, such as a diuretic, to improve effectiveness.

Although lisinopril acts quickly, it can take two to four weeks for your blood pressure to drop into the target range. Because of this, it's important to continue taking lisinopril as prescribed, even if you don't feel any different when you're taking it.

High blood pressure is dangerous, but it doesn't usually cause any noticeable symptoms. Your healthcare provider will bring you in for regular blood pressure checks, especially as your body adjusts to lisinopril. This ensures that the medication is doing what it should.

You can also talk to your healthcare provider about monitoring your blood pressure at home, but this is generally considered less effective than having a professional check your blood pressure.

If you do monitor your blood pressure at home, be sure that you're following guidelines, including sitting properly, measuring at the same time each day, and avoiding exercise, caffeine, and smoking 30 minutes before you measure your blood pressure.

What Does Lisinopril Do?

Lisinopril's main function is to lower blood pressure. Like other ACE inhibitors, lisinopril stops the production of the hormone angiotensin II, which causes the blood vessels to narrow and fluids to be retained. Those two processes can result in hypertension, so when angiotensin II is blocked, blood pressure decreases. This improves blood flow and allows the heart to pump more effectively.

Lisinopril primarily treats high blood pressure, but it is also used for:

• Heart failure treatment
• Heart attack prevention and improving survival rate after a heart attack
• Stroke prevention
• Diabetic kidney disease treatment

Lisinopril isn't metabolized in the body, but it is excreted in the urine.

The first dose of lisinopril can cause dizziness, so doctors say bedtime is the best time of day to take the first dose. After that, you can take lisinopril any time. It is common for people to start on a low dose of lisinopril, and gradually increase the dose with time, under the guidance of their healthcare provider.

Common Lisinopril Side Effects

It's common for the first dose of lisinopril to cause dizziness. If that happens once, don't be concerned. However, if it happens consistently, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Generally, lisinopril is well tolerated. In clinical trials, less than 6% of people discontinued the medication due to side effects.

Common side effects of lisinopril include:

• Dry cough
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Sneezing or runny nose
• Rash
• Decreased libido

It's important to note that an ACE inhibitor–induced dry cough can happen within hours of the first dose to months after you start the therapy. The cough will not be alleviated with over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressants, but it may stop after a while. Let your healthcare provider know about the dry cough.

There are also rare but serious side effects. If you experience any of the following, you should call your healthcare provider or 911 immediately:

• Swelling
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Fever or chills
• Yellow-tinged skin or eyes
• Light-headedness or fainting
• Chest pain

Who Can Take Lisinopril?

Lisinopril is approved for people ages 6 and up. In most cases, lisinopril cannot be taken by people who are:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a history of angioedema, or swelling of the face, throat, or limbs
• Have diabetes and are taking the medication Tekturna (aliskiren)

As you decide whether lisinopril is right for you, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about the following:

• All medications, herbs, and supplements that you take, as lisinopril can interact with some medications
• Any recent or upcoming surgeries
• Any medical procedures like dialysis
• Any recent bouts of diarrhea or vomiting
• Any dietary restrictions, including being on a low-salt diet
• If you are trying to get pregnant

A Word From Verywell

For most people, lisinopril is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated medication that can help lower blood pressure within two to four weeks. Talk to your healthcare provider about other steps that you can take to help lower blood pressure, including exercising, changing your diet, and quitting smoking. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you have about lisinopril, and inform your provider of all other medications you are on.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I take other drugs with lisinopril?

  Lisinopril is often used with other medications. It's important to tell your health care provider all medications, supplements, and herbs that you are on before starting lisinopril. In some cases your healthcare provider might change your dose or monitor you more closely for side effects; in other cases, you'll need a different treatment option.

• What's the correct dosage?

  Only your healthcare provider can tell you the right dose of lisinopril. This will depend on your age, weight, overall health, and the reason you are being prescribed the medication. It's common to start on a once-daily dose as small as 2.5 mg and increase the dose with time.

• Can I take lisinopril if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

  You cannot take lisinopril if you are pregnant. If you find out you are pregnant while you're on lisinopril, you should call your healthcare provider immediately, since taking lisinopril can cause the death of a fetus, particularly during the second and third trimesters. Lisinopril can get into breast milk and affect an infant, so it's best to avoid it while breastfeeding.

• How much will 10 mg of lisinopril lower blood pressure?

  The effects of 10 mg of lisinopril can vary depending on factors like one's condition and medical history. However, 10 mg of lisinopril is a typical dosage given to patients and can begin to lower blood pressure within six hours after taking it.

By Kelly Burch
Kelly Burch is has written about health topics for more than a decade. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and more.

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Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-quickly-does-lisinopril-lower-blood-pressure-5206513

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