
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibiting drugs (ACE inhibitors) are prescribed for treating a few cardiac and renal ailments. Angiotensin II narrows your arteries; it also helps release norepinephrine, aldosterone, etc. These actions eventually result in enhancement of blood pressure level. These also help produce more urine in your system. So, by reducing these three items, blood pressure is kept under control. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. It widens arteries and manages hypertension. But, how long does it take for lisinopril to work? It is a vital thing to know more.
ACE inhibitors are administered for a range of health conditions like hypertension, cardiac arrest, coronary artery diseases, several chronic renal disorders, etc. As an extended use, it can manage risks of diabetic nephropathy among those living with diabetes mellitus. Essential ingredients used in lisinopril can help inhibit angiotensin II. This substance constricts vessels supplying blood and thus causes spells of hypertension.
If high blood pressure is left unchecked, it may lead to heart failure, stroke and chronic renal diseases. ACE inhibitors are also known to enhance the level of bradykinin in your body; this substance helps widen your blood vessels.
Meds like lisinopril also find their use in managing acute headaches or migraines. Some caregivers administer this drug for the case management of scleroderma; this skin conditions tightens your skin as well as the tissues underneath.
What is lisinopril?
This is an ACE inhibiting med. It is taken for lowering your blood pressure level. It forms part of medication plans issued for treating cardiac failure, heart attack, etc. It is available as a pill and also as a suspended liquid. This drug is taken orally. It is made both as a branded med and as a generic drug. One of the main uses is to enhance the odds of survival soon after cardiac arrest.
Those living with low levels of sodium need to take lisinopril at a strength of 2.5 milligrams (mg). This dose is offered once per day. Similarly, if you recently had a cardiac arrest, the dose is kept at 2.5 mg during the initial few days of treatment. Among elders, drugs like lisinopril may take a longer time to work; so, if you are aged above 60 years, a lower dosage plan is administered.
How long does it take for lisinopril to work?
A standard dose of lisinopril – say, of 5 mg – may take nearly 60 minutes to start functioning. This ACE inhibitor can take more than 5 hours’ time to reach its maximum level of efficiency. It may however take several weeks to witness the complete remedial effects of lisinopril.
This med is tolerated quite well, and the effects are noticed in a gradual manner. You are advised to take this med regularly to attain a steadier control of your blood pressure level. Half-life of this med is about 12 hours; this is the time this med takes to reduce its concentration level into half.
How to take lisinopril safely?
This is not sold as an over-the-counter drug. Hence, it is dangerous to use it through self-medication or without consulting a certified medical professional. Those with allergies are advised not to use it; if you witness side effects like swelling of lips or throat, respiratory troubles and / or formation of hives, tell your doctor about these signs.
Dosage of lisinopril varies depending on age, your clinical condition and its severity. Other medical conditions – if any, and also how your system reacts to the first few dosages also influence the strength of doses. Oral pills are available in strengths ranging from 2.5 milligrams (mg) to 40 mg. For treating high blood pressure, initial dosing is 10 mg – taken as a single dose every 24 hours. Maintenance dose is between 20 mg to 40 mg; ensure that your maximum dosage level never exceeds 80 mg per day.
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 Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.