lisinopril
Lisinopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure in adults and children 6 years of age and older. It is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Lisinopril is also used to improve survival after a heart attack. Lisinopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently. High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking lisinopril affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the MotherToBaby fact sheet, it is not known whether lisinopril can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have questions or concerns about fertility while taking lisinopril, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking lisinopril increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. The fact sheet notes that studies have not been done to see if lisinopril increases the chance of miscarriage. Any concerns about pregnancy loss should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking lisinopril increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect for various reasons. The fact sheet states that it is not known whether lisinopril increases the chance of birth defects when taken during the first trimester. Your healthcare provider can discuss what this means for your individual situation.
Can taking lisinopril during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
The fact sheet explains that ACE inhibitors like lisinopril, when used after the first trimester, can cause low levels of amniotic fluid, which has been linked to problems such as poor lung development, poor growth, poor development of the skull bones, kidney development problems, and in the most severe cases, fetal death. It also notes that ACE inhibitors can cause low blood pressure and kidney failure in the newborn, with some reported infant deaths. Anyone who is pregnant and taking an ACE inhibitor is advised to speak with their healthcare provider right away.
Can taking lisinopril during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet indicates that studies have not been done to see whether lisinopril increases the chance of behavior or learning issues in the child, and there are no prenatal tests that can predict effects on future behavior or learning. Questions about child development are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking lisinopril?
The fact sheet states that there are no studies looking at the use of lisinopril during breastfeeding, so it is not known what effect, if any, lisinopril could have on a breastfed child. Decisions about breastfeeding while taking this medication should be made together with your healthcare provider.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
lisinopril