LISINOPRIL (lyse IN oh pril) treats high blood pressure and heart failure. It may also be used to prevent further damage after a heart attack. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors.

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
• High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness, fatigue
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Cough
• Dizziness
• Headache

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not freeze. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Heart or blood vessel disease
• History of swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema)
• Kidney disease
• Low blood pressure
• An unusual or allergic reaction to lisinopril, other ACE inhibitors, insect venom, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Hymenoptera venom
• Sacubitril; valsartan

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aliskiren
• Angiotensin receptor blockers, like losartan or valsartan
• Certain medications for diabetes
• Diuretics
• Everolimus
• Gold compounds
• Lithium
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Potassium salts or supplements
• Salt substitutes
• Sirolimus
• Temsirolimus

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Visit your health care provider for regular check-ups. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your health care provider what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact him or her.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your health care provider for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

Inform your health care provider if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care provider for more information.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your health care provider.