Frequent spells of high pressure is not good news for your cardiac wellbeing. Your heart muscle works overtime – mainly due to the shrinkage of blood vessels; their overwork shows up in the form of high blood pressure level. This condition is also known as hypertension. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibiting drugs are prescribed to expand or dilate your blood vessels. As a result, your heart is supplied with ample amount of blood; this action soon brings down your blood pressure levels. But, can you use ACE inhibiting drugs such as, say – lisinopril along with clobetasol? It is a wise thing to know more on this prior to starting your treatment plan.
High blood pressure is often an outcome of many risk-factors; such factors occur due to a regular intake of alcohol, smoking of tobacco products, being overweight, etc. At times, it may be a genetic thing – i.e., if one of your parents or a close family member had it, it is quite likely that you may also live with high blood pressure. If left untreated, you may encounter severe heart conditions like cardiac arrest or a heart failure. When there is a blockage of blood supply, it may soon deprive your system of needful oxygen. It can often lead to a fatal outcome. In clinical terms, it is also known as myocardial infarction (in short, MI). Hypertension is also likely to lead to renal problems, strokes, etc.
Lisinopril belongs to a family of meds known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. This drug helps relax your blood vessels and makes way for an easier flow of blood. Your medication plan may include regular workouts, switching over to a fat-free / oil-restricted diet and intake of meds such as lisinopril. The starting dose is usually kept at a lower level; as soon as your body gets used to the active ingredients, dosages are gradually increased.
Clobetasol and its uses
Clobetasol is categorised under a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It is prescribed for treatment of skin problems like itchiness (i.e., pruritus), dryness of skin as well as scaling. Active ingredients of this drug can also treat disorders such as psoriasis (reddening of your skin, often accompanied by scaling), eczema (excessive levels of dryness), etc.
You need to note that this drug is a very powerful steroid. Due to its high power, it is extremely important to apply this skin cream as per the instructions of your dermatologist. Take adequate precautions while using this topical cream; never ingest it or put it onto your eyes and nose. Keep it away from skin creases or folds – especially, areas such as anus, genital organs or armpits.
Use of lisinopril along with clobetasol
In general, steroids are capable of inhibiting the properties of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibiting drugs (ACE inhibiting meds) such as lisinopril. The interactions are more pronounced when you are using steroids – such as clobetasol, betamethasone or prednisone – for more than 7 days. This is chiefly because of a likely increase in sodium levels in your system. It is also quite likely that you may witness excessive levels of water in your body. These are not good signs when you are trying to control your blood pressure level.
If you are using clobetasol or prednisone along with ACE inhibiting meds, you need to stay watchful of a few symptoms. The key signs to stay aware of include – sudden increase in bodyweight, inflammation of ankles, feet and arms (owing to a marked increase in water levels), etc. In such cases, your caregiving team may advise reduction of doses of these meds, and in some instances, one of these two meds may be discontinued.
Owing to such risks, it is essential to tell your treating physician about the other ailments that you are currently living with. It is a safe practice to share more details about your family’s medical history as well as your own clinical history (prior or pre-existing ailments).Not stopping with medical conditions, you may also need to tell about the drugs you are currently consuming as well as about the treatment plans that you are presently pursuing, if any. None of the drugs / treatments that are being taken must be stopped without taking needful guidance from your caregiver or pharmacist.
If you are taking lisinopril, you may also need to stay away from foods / supplements containing higher amounts of potassium. Presence of high percentage of potassium can turn adverse when you are taking ACE inhibiting meds. Talk to a dietitian about the foods that are to be avoided – for example, foods such as bananas and a few vegetables that are rich in this mineral, and those which can be consumed as part of your daily diet.
Precautions needed while using clobetasol
Clobetasol is likely to cause a few discomforts; in some people, a few undesired side effects / allergic reactions have also shown up. Allergic reactions can include inflammation, respiratory problems, acute spells of dizziness, etc. Always remember that your treating physician has advised the application of this drug as its merits outweigh the discomforts it may trigger. Consult with your treating doctor about the safe use of this med. Above all, the side effects listed here do not form a full list. So, it is possible to encounter some discomforts that are not known or listed here. Upon experiencing a few unknown allergies or adverse reactions, talk to your caregiver and take needful clinical support. Those living in the US may dial 911 for emergency medical care; you may also reach out to the food and drug administration’s (FDA) helpdesk numbers. People living in Canada can quickly visit a local poison control center or reach out to Health Canada for faster clinical attention.
In sum, skin meds based on powerful steroids may reduce the therapeutic properties of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibiting meds (ACE inhibitor) like lisinopril. Intake of clobetasol, prednisone, betamethasone or other such steroids-based meds for more than 7 days can lead to adverse interactions. Such co-administration may increase sodium levels, and may also retain excessive levels of water within the body. Owing to such risks, you need to talk to your physician prior to taking lisinopril or other such ACE inhibiting meds along with steroids such as clobetasol.
Education: Bachelor’s in Journalism with a minor in Nutrition from Northwestern University. Experience: 15 years as a health journalist, writing for major publications like The New York Times and TIME, with a focus on diet, exercise, and chronic disease management.
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