Lisinopril (Prinivil) - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects - Doctor Explains

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 22:42:05 +0000

In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Lisinopril. We will discuss how and when to use it, we will cover its side effects, dosage and much, much more.

You can find more useful videos on cardiovascular diseases and their treatments here:
https://www.youtube.com/playli....st?list=PLaG3Bo3L0gX

Generic name: Lisinopril.
Brand names: Prinivil.
Available as a tablet.

How to use it?
- Tablet: Just swallow it with half a glass of water.
It is usually best to take this drug at a fixed time. If you experience dizziness as a side effect, you could best take it in the evening before going to bed.

When to use it?
Lisinopril is part of a group of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. These drugs widen the blood vessels, thus lowering the blood pressure and lowering the straint on the heart.
Therefore Lisinopril can be used to treat; a high blood pressure and heart failure.

What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience and the severity of your symptoms. Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.
- However, when treating a high blood pressure in adults, most doctors will start with an initial dose of 10mg 1x/day. Which if necessary can be slowly increased up to a max. dose of 20-80 mg 1/day.
- When treating heart failure, the initial dose is much lower, and needs to be build up over a long time. Ultimately the maintenance dose will be about; 20-35mg 1x/day.

What are the side-effects?
- Common (1-10%): low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, cough, diarrhoea, vomiting and renal impairment.
- Uncommon (0.1-1%): Palpitations, rapid heartbeat, Raynaud's phenomenon, heart attack, cerebral haemorrhage, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, taste disturbance, mood swings, hallucinations, sleep disorder, impotence, rash and itching.
- Rare (0.01-0.1%): rash, hair loss, psoriasis, allergic reactions, acute renal failure, confusion, dry mouth, breast formation and blood count abnormalities.
- Very rare (0.01%): several major side effects.

Safety:
- The first days of using Lisinopril it can lead to dizziness or fatigue. Please do not drive while experiencing this.
- Furthermore, alcohol widens the blood vessels. It can therefore increase the side effect of dizziness at the beginning of treatment. Try drinking alcohol in moderation first so you can estimate its effects.
- Lisinopril can also have interactions with other drugs your are taking. Always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
- Lastly, Lisinopril could be dangerous for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. To be sure, always discuss this with your personal doctor.

- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

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Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2022). Lisinopril.
2: Apotheek.nl (2022). Lisinopril.

* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and videos in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

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