Lisinopril

definition

Lisinopril is a blood pressure lowering drug from the group of ACE inhibitors. It is mainly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Lisinopril develops its effect through reduced water retention by the kidneys and a widening of the blood vessels. This is done by inhibiting the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which, through the formation of angiotensin 2, induces constriction of the vessels (vasoconstriction) and increased water absorption via the kidneys. ACE inhibitors are currently the first choice for treating high blood pressure.

indication

In addition to treating the High blood pressure and symptomatic heart failure, lisinopril has other areas of application. Immediately after a Heart attack It has been shown that taking lisinopril for a few weeks can reduce the risk of having a new heart attack. ACE inhibitors also have a protective effect on the kidneys, so that lisinopril can also be used e.g. Diabetic patients with hypertension and Nephropathy prescribes.

application

Lisinopril is taken in tablet form by patients. As a rule, a tablet containing 10 to 40 mg of active ingredient is prescribed once a day. Lisinopril can be combined with other drugs in high blood pressure therapy in order to achieve a better effect, here are examples Diuretics and Calcium antagonists to call. The combination of lisinopril and diuretics is also used in heart failure therapy and possibly with a Beta blockers, digitalis or other supplements.

Mode of action

The effect of Lisinopril is based on the inhibition of the Angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE). This is part of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), a hormonal control circuit that controls the water and electrolyte balance. The first step in the RAAS control loop takes place in the kidney, where blood pressure is measured using specialized cells. If the pressure drops, the enzyme will be in the kidney Renin poured out. Renin breaks down angiotensinogen Angiotensin 1whereupon this through the ACE to the biologically active one Angiotensin 2 is split. Angiotensin 2 triggers one Vasoconstriction and the release of hormones with antihypertensive and water-retaining effects.

If the ACE is now inhibited by Lisinopril, there is a reduced release of these hormones and the vessels are no longer contracted. As a result of the reduced vasoconstriction, the volume of the vascular system and thus also its pressure decreases. The reduced water retention results in a reduced blood volume, which is also noticeable in a reduced blood pressure.

When the blood is pumping through the body, the heart has less pressure and volume load. This is used in the therapy of heart failure, the heart is protected by taking ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril. Angiotensin 2 also increases the breakdown of muscle cells and the scarring of the tissue when there is insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle, which is the case, for example, in a heart attack. To stop this process, lisinopril is also prescribed after a heart attack.

Side effects

As with all ACE inhibitors, lisinopril slows down the breakdown of Inflammation mediators. This can e.g. Inflammation of the skin or Edema have as a consequence. In this context, it is important that at the beginning of the intake, care is taken to see whether a dry unproductive cough occurs as this can be a sign of airway inflammation and, in individual cases, can lead to swelling and obstruction of the airways.

Furthermore, it can have an excessive blood pressure lowering effect too dizziness and exhaustion come, symptoms that also occur when blood pressure is too low. Lisinopril can also be used too Kidney dysfunction come.

Interactions

Do you take medication like Ibuprofen or Diclofenac (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), they reduce the effect of lisinopril. In combination with potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. Amiloride) it can too Hyperkalemia, i.e. increased potassium levels in the blood. When taking Lisinopril it should also be noted that the blood sugar-lowering effect of oral Antidiabetic drugs and Insulin preparations is reinforced. Also, some immunosuppressive drugs in combination with lisinopril can interactions within the meaning of Hyperkalemia and cause other blood count changes.

Summary

Lisinopril is a highly effective drug against high blood pressure from the group of ACE inhibitors, which are currently the first choice in high blood pressure therapy. The blood pressure is measured by an intervention in the RAAS lowered. It is important when taking it that it is observed at the beginning whether an unproductive one cough occurs as this is a sign of side effects. Furthermore, when taking other medications, you should watch out for interactions.