Lisinopril
Benazepril, Enalapril and Lisinopril are the three most commonly used Ace inhibitors. These inhibitors are generally used to treat far more severe cases of high blood pressure and are not the first medication used after the first diagnosis. In an ideal world, people should stick to a healthy diet and exercise plan, as these are the best treatments and preventions of high blood pressure, but sadly, this is not the case. A diuretic will be administered after using the inhibitors, designed to flush out the system and encourage the release of blood pressure.
Lotensin (benazepril), Vasotec (enalapril), Prinivil and Zestril (lisinopril) are the manufacturing and marketing brand names for the most commonly used Ace inhibitors. Each of the inhibitors works in much the same way, by relaxing the arteries and helping to increase the flow of blood slowly, so as not to inadvertently cause a heart attack.
The Ace inhibitors do carry side effects, mostly undesirable, including cough, sore throat, fever, and mouth sores. Some other, less painful or aggravating side effects include an itchy, red skin rash, swelling of the neck, face or tongue, or a salty or metallic taste in the mouth. These side effects are not very common, but it is best to know what you may be getting yourself into.
Lisinopril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It is used to lower blood pressure by decreasing certain chemicals in the blood that tighten the blood vessels. In other words, lisinopril will dilate the blood vessels so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently using less pressure. It is also used to treat congestive heart failure and to improve the survival rate after a heart attack. The most common side effect of Lisinopril is a violent, non-productive cough, dizziness, fatigue and flue like symptoms. Another side effect, though not very common but it is dangerous is a pounding or uneven heartbeat.
ACE inhibitors are one of the newest types of hypertension drugs. They act on the renin-angiotensin system that regulates blood pressure and kidney function. Normally, the molecule angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by the angiotensin-converting enzyme. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that makes your blood vessels close down. By blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme, you make the blood vessels relax, decreasing blood pressure. Examples of this type of drug include lisinopril (Prinivil), enalapril (Vasotec), ramipril (Altace), benazepril (Lotensin), fosinopril (Monopril), and captopril (Capoten). Side effects of ACE inhibitors include headache, flushing, diarrhea, rash, and more rarely dizziness, heart failure or stroke. One of the most annoying side effects is a dry persistent cough. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), like valsartan (Diovan), irbesartan (Avapro), olmesartan (Benicar), candesartan (Atacand), and losartan (Cozaar; Hyzaar when combined with hydrochlorothiazide) act on the angiotensin receptor to block its effects, thereby reducing blood pressure. Side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, rash, and more rarely anxiety, muscle pains, upper respiratory track infection, low blood pressure or elevations in potassium.
Processing your request, Please wait....
