Prinivil: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com (2024)

Generic name: lisinopril [lyse-IN-oh-pril]
Dosage form: oral tablet (5 mg; 10 mg; 20 mg)
Drug class: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 22, 2023.

What is Prinivil?

Prinivil (lisinopril) is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

Prinivil is also used in adults to treat congestive heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Prinivil belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Warnings

Do not use Prinivil if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had angioedema. Do not take Prinivil within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto).

If you have diabetes, do not use Prinivil together with any medication that contains aliskiren (such as Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).

You may also need to avoid taking Prinivil with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Prinivil if you are allergic to lisinopril or to any other ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor such as captopril, fosinopril, enalapril, benazepril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.

Do not take Prinivil within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto).

If you have diabetes, do not take Prinivil with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

Do not take Prinivil if you have a history of angioedema (severe allergic reaction).

To make sure Prinivil is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, heart problems such as a recent heart attack;

• low blood pressure;

• low white blood cell count;

• stomach pain;

• if you are on a low-salt diet;

• diabetes;

• liver disease; or

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

You may also need to avoid taking Prinivil with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Lisinopril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you use the medicine during your second or third trimester.

Do not breastfeed.

How should I take Prinivil?

Take Prinivil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose..

You may take Prinivil with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need frequent blood tests.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Prinivil. This can lead to very low blood pressure, an electrolyte imbalance, or kidney failure.

If you have high blood pressure, keep using Prinivil even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Prinivil for Hypertension:

Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

Usual Adult Dose of Prinivil for Myocardial Infarction:

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Nephropathy:

Usual Geriatric Dose of Prinivil for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 2.5 to 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: Dosages should be increased at 2.5 mg to 5 mg per day at 1 to 2 week intervals.
Maximum dose: 40 mg orally once a day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Prinivil?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Prinivil side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Prinivil: severe stomach pain, hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Prinivil may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• high blood potassium - nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;

• low white blood cell counts - fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough;

• kidney problems - swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or

• liver problems - loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common Prinivil side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;

• low blood pressure, cough; or

• chest pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Prinivil?

Lisinopril can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, or osteoporosis.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a diuretic or "water pill" that may increase blood potassium such as spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride;

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others;

• insulin or diabetes medications;

• medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection such as temsirolimus, sirolimus, or everolimus; or

• heart or blood pressure medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with lisinopril, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: lisinopril
Inactive ingredients: calcium phosphate, mannitol, magnesium stearate, and starch. The 10 mg and 20 mg tablets also contain iron oxide.

Manufacturer

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Prinivil only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circ*mstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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