Side effects of lisinopril
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Side Effects of Lisinopril
Common Side Effects of Lisinopril
Lisinopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, is widely used for treating hypertension and congestive heart failure. However, like all medications, it comes with potential side effects. The most frequently reported side effects in hypertensive patients include headache, dizziness, cough, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. These side effects are generally mild and not all are directly attributed to lisinopril.
Serious Side Effects and Discontinuation Rates
While serious side effects are rare, they can occur. In a large study involving 3,270 patients, 6.1% of hypertensive patients discontinued lisinopril due to adverse clinical events, with cough and nausea being the most common reasons. In patients with congestive heart failure, the discontinuation rate was higher at 9.6%, primarily due to hypotension, dizziness, diarrhea, and rash. Additionally, there were instances of death among patients, but these were not directly linked to lisinopril in most cases.
Metabolic and Hematological Effects
Lisinopril has been associated with some metabolic side effects. For instance, in combination with hydrochlorothiazide, it can lead to lower serum potassium levels and higher serum glucose levels. However, hematological abnormalities are not commonly reported with lisinopril use.
Specific Adverse Events in Heart Failure Patients
In patients with congestive heart failure, lisinopril is generally well tolerated, but some adverse events are more common. These include dizziness, headache, hypotension, and diarrhea. High doses of lisinopril have been shown to be more effective in reducing the risk of major clinical events but are also associated with a higher incidence of adverse events such as hypotension and worsening renal function. Despite these issues, the frequency of treatment discontinuations due to adverse events is similar between high and low doses.
Comparison with Other ACE Inhibitors
The side effect profile of lisinopril is similar to that of other ACE inhibitors, including class-specific effects like cough, azotemia, angioedema, hypotension, and hyperkalemia. However, taste disturbances are rarely observed with lisinopril.
Conclusion
Lisinopril is an effective medication for treating hypertension and congestive heart failure, but it does come with potential side effects. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, and cough, while more serious side effects like hypotension and renal dysfunction are less frequent but possible. Overall, the side effect profile of lisinopril is comparable to other ACE inhibitors, making it a viable option for many patients.
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