Side effects of the drug lisinopril
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Side Effects of the Drug Lisinopril
Common Side Effects of Lisinopril
Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, is commonly prescribed for hypertension and congestive heart failure (CHF). The most frequently reported side effects in hypertensive patients include headache, dizziness, cough, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. However, not all these events are directly related to lisinopril . In clinical trials, cough was noted as a slightly higher occurrence in patients treated with lisinopril alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide .
Serious Adverse Events
In patients with CHF, the most common adverse events were dizziness, dyspnea, diarrhea, hypotension, and fatigue. Therapy was discontinued in 9.6% of CHF patients due to adverse events such as hypotension, dizziness, diarrhea, and rash. Notably, three deaths in CHF patients were considered related to lisinopril therapy . High doses of lisinopril were associated with a higher incidence of adverse events, including hypotension and worsening renal function, although these were generally manageable by adjusting the dose or concomitant medications .
Discontinuation Rates
The discontinuation rate due to adverse clinical events in hypertensive patients was 6.1%, with cough and nausea being the most common reasons for stopping the medication . In CHF patients, the discontinuation rate was higher at 9.6%, primarily due to hypotension, dizziness, diarrhea, and rash .
Laboratory and Metabolic Effects
Changes in laboratory parameters were generally minor and seldom led to discontinuation of therapy. However, in a study involving the combination of lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide, metabolic side effects included lower serum potassium levels and higher serum glucose levels, particularly with higher doses of hydrochlorothiazide .
Long-term Tolerability
Long-term treatment with lisinopril for hypertension and CHF, extending up to three years, confirms that the drug is well tolerated. The side-effect profile of lisinopril is similar to other ACE inhibitors, with taste disturbance being rarely observed . The ATLAS study demonstrated that high doses of lisinopril significantly reduced the risk of morbidity and mortality in CHF patients without a clinically significant decrease in tolerability .
Conclusion
Lisinopril is generally well tolerated, with common side effects including headache, dizziness, cough, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Serious adverse events are relatively rare but can include hypotension and renal function deterioration, particularly at higher doses. Despite these potential side effects, lisinopril remains an effective treatment for hypertension and CHF, with a side-effect profile comparable to other ACE inhibitors.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic