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How Long Does Lisinopril Take To Work?

For most individuals, the full benefits of the lisinopril medication manifests within the first several weeks of treatment, however note that the effects of the medication start within the first hour of treatment.
The medication aids the heart by allowing it to pump blood with less effort.
For most individuals, treatment would usually begin with a daily 10 mg prescription, however, this may vary based on individual needs.
For maximum efficacy, consistent daily intake at the prescribed time would be optimal.
Possible adverse effects of the medication include dry cough, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms may be attenuated by increased fluid intake, and avoidance of salt substitutes will be helpful.
How Does Lisinopril Treat High Blood Pressure?
Lisinopril is one of the well-known ACE inhibitors. It effectively decreases blood pressure by expanding blood vessels. It decreases the amount of angiotensin II, a vasoconstrictor, and decreases the heart’s workload.
It also decreases the production of aldosterone which results in the expulsion of excess salt and water, decreasing blood pressure even more.
It is common to see the blood pressure-lowering effects of the medication within the first hour of administration, with the peak effects at around six hours.
It may take two to four weeks, however, to achieve the desired consistent maximum pressure control. Because of this, it is important to take the medication daily, even if it does not seem like your blood pressure is high.
How Long Does One Take Lisinopril?
At this point, one may assume Lisinopril is a long-term treatment rather than a short-term fix. Given that high blood pressure is a life-long condition for most, Lisinopril is prescribed on a continuing basis with the expectation that it is to be taken indefinitely as long as the blood pressure is controlled.
It is critical that Lisinopril is not taken on a “take as needed” approach, as this may cause the blood pressure to spike again. Consistent monitoring of Lisinopril provides continual protection to the heart by preventing potential complications, such as heart attacks and strokes and maintaining safe idiosyncratic levels within the therapeutic range when prescribed.
Is 10 Mg Of Lisinopril Enough To Lower Blood Pressure?
Lisinopril is often prescribed at 10 mg for starting daily treatment and is usually effective for controlling blood pressure. Some patients will start at 5 mg or higher than 10 mg for treatment.
When 10 mg is insufficient for blood pressure control, 20- to 40-mg increases and 80 mg max is likely appropriate. As prescribed is safe, so always follow your healthcare provider.
For some patients, 10 mg is enough, and your healthcare provider will adjust it in safe and effective ranges for control of blood pressure.
Is It Best To Take Lisinopril In The Morning Or Evening?
There isn’t a best for everyone, You can take lisinopril in the morning or evening. The most important consideration is to take it at the same time every day to avoid fluctuations in your blood pressure.
Many patients find it convenient to take it in the morning with breakfast and other morning medications. For patients prone to first dose syncope, a healthcare provider may recommend taking it at night.
Some medical professionals recommend that patients take the very first dose at bedtime, since lisinopril causes light-headedness or dizziness that especially occurs when patients are given the very first dose.
If the first dose is taken at bedtime, the patient is more likely to sleep through the mild dizziness. Following that first dose, the patient is free to choose a time that is convenient for them, either in the morning or at night, that they will be able to remember.
What Are The Side Effects Lisinopril?
Lisinopril will occasionally cause side effects, as in any other medication. It is most likely that a patient will tolerate it, but it is still important to know the more the common side effects as well as the rare more serious side effects. These most common side effects include:
- Dry cough
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Rash or itching
The common side effects listed are mild, and simply a matter of your body getting used to Mavik. If bothersome symptoms do persist, be sure to let your physician know.
Most importantly, be mindful of these rare, serious side effects:
- Swelling (Angioedema)
- Kidney Issues
- Hyperkalemia
- Low white blood cells
For most people, the medication is safe, and these serious effects are very uncommon. Always report any new symptoms to your healthcare provider so they can determine if lisinopril is the cause.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Lisinopril?
While you’re on lisinopril, there are a few things to be careful about to make sure the medicine works well and safely:
Salt substitutes and potassium supplements: Avoid salt substitutes (like “Lite-Salt” or “LoSalt”) and potassium supplements, unless your doctor says it’s okay. These often contain a lot of potassium.
Getting up quickly: Because lisinopril lowers blood pressure, you may feel dizzy if you stand up too fast. To prevent this, stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
Dehydration and overheating: Drink plenty of fluids and take care not to become overheated, particularly while exercising and in the heat of summer. Losing fluids through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, while on the medication lisinopril, causes hypotension.
Alcohol: Use caution with alcohol, Lisinopril and alcohol both lower blood pressure, increasing the likelihood of dizziness and lightheadedness.
Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: Directly and indirectly, NSAIDs, particularly ibuprofen and naproxen, diminish the action of antihypertensive agents and worsen hypertension.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Lisinopril should be avoided if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. This medication can harm an unborn baby as well as ACE inhibitors. If becoming pregnant while on lisinopril, see your doctor.
Bottom line
This medication is an ACE inhibitor and works within an hour of taking it. Lisinopril is prescribed for high blood pressure and most patients take it on a daily basis.
10 mg is most commonly the starting dose with an increase if blood pressure is not regulated, and is prescribed once a day. This will be 10 mg once daily for most patients, as it will be sufficient for most to manage blood pressure and the doctor will increase the dose if blood pressure requires it to be more controlled.