Prinivil (Lisinopril)

Description

Prinivil is a brand name for an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor generally marketed as lisinopril.

 

Prinivil is mainly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Prinivil is available by physician prescription.

 

 

 

Drug Information

 

ACE inhibitors like Prinivil inhibits the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid retention in the body. By doing so, Prinivil can relax the smooth muscles in blood vessels allowing fluid to flow more freely, thus relieving elevated blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure can reduce the risk for strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

 

 Lisinopril is a synthetic peptide derivative chemically known as (S)-1-[N2-(1-carboxy -3phenylpropyl)-L-lysyl]-L-proline dihydrate.

 

 Lisinopril is also used to treat kidney complication caused by Type II diabetes.

 

 Prinivil is available as tablets in 5, 10 and 20 milligram doses of the active ingredient.

 

 Inactive ingredients of Prinivil include starch, lactose, magnesium stearate, calcium phosphate, and mannitol.

 

Dosage

 

Prinivil dosage will vary as per physician recommendation, age, severity of the condition and response to treatment. In pediatric patients, the dosage varies on weight.

 

 Prinivil is administered orally, swallowed whole as tablets with or without meals.

 

 It’s recommended that Prinivil be taken at the same time each day.

 

 Take the full prescribed doses of Prinivil regularly for the drug to be effective against the condition being treated.

 

It is highly recommended that Prinivil doses are taken regularly even if the patient “feels fine.” Hypertension patients do not experience “feeling sick” symptoms. The prescribed dosage is essential for the drug to be effective.

 

Keep track of Prinivil doses in a calendar to not miss one or overdose.

 

Warnings and Precautions

 

The National Institutes of Health in the U.S. warns against taking lisinopril during pregnancy as the drug can cause harm to the unborn baby. Consult a physician immediately if pregnancy occurs during the treatment program for lisinopril.

 

 Do not take Prinivil if allergic to ACE inhibitors or any other inactive ingredient in the drug. Do not take Prinivil without caution if there’s a history of allergic reactions.

 

 Disclose previous medical history to prescribing physician, particularly if there’s a history of angioedema, blood filtering procedures (like dialysis), collagen vascular disease (such as lupus) and elevated potassium levels in blood.

 

 Do not drive, use machinery or participate in similar activities if Prinivil causes dizziness.
Prinivil may not be safe for pediatric patients.

 

 Do not take salt or potassium substitutes or supplements while taking Prinivil without explicit instructions from a physician.

 

Side Effects

 

Prinivil and Ace inhibitors could potentially cause one or more of the following side effects:

 

 Dizziness
 Lightheadedness
 Headache
 Tiredness or fatigue
 Dry cough
 Symptoms of high levels of potassium (such as tingly feelings and weak pulse)
 Jaundice
 Abnormally colored urine
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Abdominal pain
 (Rarely) severe liver problems

 

Side effects are not limited to the above.

 

Side effects could be more pronounced in elderly patients over 65.

 

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration caused by side effects such as vomiting.

 

Immediately consult a physician if side effects continue to persist or worsen over time.