
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibiting meds (in short, ACE inhibitors) are prescribed for a fairly wide range of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack, a few types of arterial disorders like CAD, etc. Some physicians extend its use to treat nephropathy among people who are diabetic. By blocking enzymes like angiotensin II, lisinopril helps bring down pressure levels. But, can I take an extra lisinopril if my blood pressure is high? You can benefit more by having additional inputs on this.
High blood pressure is considered a silent killer. The signs are few or even nil; but, consistent spells of hypertension can lead to near-fatal or fatal outcomes. Those who leave it unattended may witness strokes, kidney-related problems, cardiac arrest or heart failure. Thankfully, there are drugs to keep high blood pressure at bay.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are increasingly administered to treat renal as well as heart-related conditions. Angiotensin II is an enzyme responsible to narrowing-down your blood vessels. This enzyme also boosts the discharge of a few other chemicals like aldosterone and norepinephrine. These triggers lead to a spike in your pressure levels. Added production of these three chemicals may also lead to production of more urine.
You need to know that reduction of norepinephrine, angiotensin II and aldosterone can help bring blood pressure levels to a normal level. On a related note, ACE inhibiting drugs can also boost the presence of another chemical known as bradykinin. This chemical is involved in widening of arteries and veins that carry blood.
What is lisinopril?
This ACE inhibitor is administered to lower blood pressure levels in the system. Owing to this, many caregivers include this med for treatment of heart arrest and cardiac attacks. You need to know that lisinopril can be procured either as a tablet or as suspension. One glad thing about lisinopril is you can get it as a generic offering. Physicians also use it to enhance the rate of survival after a heart attack.
If you have a lesser level of sodium in your system, it is common for doctors to administer 2,5 mg of lisinopril. Such doses are recommended as a single dose every day. Those who have survived a heart attack are also advised to take 2.5 mg for a few days’ time.
Can I take an extra lisinopril if my blood pressure is high?
Intake of an extra lisinopril if your blood pressure is high can cause undesired side effects. A few such effects are tachycardia, being dizzy, acute drop in pressure and / or passing out. It is hence very important to talk to a qualified caregiver upon sensing one or more of these side effects.
Taking extra lisinopril can also lead to overdosing. This may cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Any of these signs can worsen your medical condition. Hence, upon sensing any of the above-listed side effects, seek clinical help urgently.
How do I consume lisinopril in a safe manner?
Dosage plan of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril can depend upon age, prior medical conditions and other drugs you are taking presently. Treatment plan of high blood pressure / hypertension may involve dosages of 10 mg per day. This is taken as one dose each day. On the other hand, maintenance dosages of lisinopril can range from 20 – 40 mg. As a safety measure, you need to remember that the maximum dosing must never breach the 80-mg mark within 24-hours.
Dosing of lisinopril needs is strictly as per the advice of your treating physician. Those who took it through self-medication route or as an over-the-counter medication are likely to witness severely counterproductive outcomes. You are advised to speak with a certified caregiver to know about – can I take an extra lisinopril if my blood pressure is high.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.