(lisinopril dihydrate) uncoated tablet
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Lisinopril generic health.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Lisinopril generic health against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.
What Lisinopril generic health is used for
Lisinopril generic health lowers high blood pressure, which doctors call hypertension. It is also used to treat heart failure and patients who have just had a heart attack.
Hypertension
Everyone has blood pressure. This pressure helps get your blood all around your body.
Your blood pressure may be different at different times of the day, depending on how busy or worried you are. You have hypertension (high blood pressure) when your blood pressure stays higher than is needed, even when you are calm and relaxed.
There are usually no symptoms of hypertension. The only way of knowing that you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
If high blood pressure is not treated it can lead to serious health problems. You may feel fine and have no symptoms, but eventually hypertension can cause stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.
Lisinopril generic health helps to lower your blood pressure.
Heart Failure
Heart failure means that the heart muscle cannot pump blood strongly enough to supply all the blood needed throughout the body. Heart failure is not the same as heart attack and does not mean that the heart stops working.
Heart failure may start off with no symptoms, but as the condition progresses, patients may feel short of breath or may get tired easily after light physical activity such as walking. Some patients may wake up short of breath at night. Fluid may collect in different parts of the body, often first noticed as swollen ankles and feet.
Lisinopril generic health helps to treat heart failure and may improve your symptoms. One of the ways Lisinopril generic health helps heart failure is that it widens the blood vessels, so that the heart does not have to pump as hard to move the blood around the body. This also means that when you place extra demands on your heart, such as during exercise, the heart may cope better so you may not get short of breath as easily.
When used to treat heart failure, Lisinopril generic health is almost always used with other medicines called diuretics or fluid tablets. These medicines help the kidney to get rid of excess fluid from the body.
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when one of the major blood vessels supplying blood to the heart muscle becomes blocked. As a result of the blockage, the heart does not receive the oxygen it needs and the heart muscle is damaged.
This damage may lead to further complications such as heart failure, irregular heart rhythms and blood clots. In some patients, lisinopril may help to prevent some complications of heart attack, such as heart failure.
Lisinopril belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
Your doctor may prescribe Lisinopril generic health for another reason. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Lisinopril generic health has been prescribed for you.
This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Lisinopril generic health is not addictive.
Before you take Lisinopril generic health
When you must not take it
Do not take Lisinopril generic health if:
- you have taken any medicines called ‘ACE inhibitors’ before and have had allergic reactions with swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles, the face, lips, tongue and/or throat with difficulty in swallowing or breathing or if you or a member of your family have had a similar reaction.
If you or a family member has had an allergic reaction to an ACE inhibitor before, you may be allergic to Lisinopril generic health. - you have an allergy to lisinopril (the active ingredient in Lisinopril generic health), or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction to Lisinopril generic health may include skin rash, itchiness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. - you or a member of your family has a history of swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet, for no apparent reason.
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your baby may absorb this medicine in the womb or from breast milk and therefore there is a possibility of harm to the baby. - you are undergoing haemodialysis.
- you are taking a blood pressure medicine containing aliskiren and you have diabetes mellitus.
- you are taking a blood pressure medicine containing aliskiren and you have kidney problems.
Do not take Lisinopril generichealth after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal
If you are not sure whether you should start taking Lisinopril generic health, talk to your doctor.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to:
- any other medicines;
- any other substances such as foods, dyes or preservatives.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have, or have had, any medical conditions, especially the following:
- kidney problems, or are undergoing dialysis;
- low blood pressure (you may notice this as faintness or dizziness, especially when standing);
- liver problems;
- diabetes;
- aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aorta), renal stenosis (narrowing of the renal artery), or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (an increase in the thickness of the heart muscle);
- diarrhoea or vomiting.
Tell your doctor if you are following a very low salt diet.
Tell your doctor if you are going to receive desensitisation treatment for an allergy, eg. to insect stings. The desensitisation treatment reduces the effects of the allergy (eg. bee or wasp stings) but sometimes it can cause a more severe allergic reaction if you are taking an ACE inhibitor during the desensitisation treatment.
Tell your doctor if you are taking medicines called mTOR inhibitors (such as temsirolimus, everolimus, sirolimus) or medicines containing NEP inhibitors (such as racecadotril). Taking these medicines with Lisinopril generic health may increase the risk of angioedema. Signs of angioedema include swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/ or throat with difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Lisinopril generic health is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Lisinopril generic health should not be used while breastfeeding or if planning to breastfeed.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and Lisinopril generic health may interfere with each other, these include:
- medicines used to treat high blood pressure or heart problems called angiotensin II receptor blockers, such as candesartan, valdesartan, telmisartan, olmesartan or irbesartan;
- other medicines used to treat high blood pressure, including any that contain aliskiren (see also information under the heading “When you must not take it”);
- diuretic tablets – also called fluid or water tablets;
- lithium, a medicine used to treat some types of mental disorders;
- potassium tablets, salt substitutes containing potassium or other medicines which can increase potassium in your body;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat arthritis and muscle pain such as indomethacin naproxen or ibuprofen;
- heparin, a medicine used to prevent blood clots;
- a medicine used to treat infection containing sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, also known as cotrimoxazole;
- gold injections (such as sodium aurothiomalate) usually used to treat rheumatoid arthritis;
- insulin or medicines used to treat diabetes.
- medicines used to break down blood clots such as alteplase or reteplase;
- medicines called mTOR inhibitors (such as temsirolimus, everolimus, sirolimus) or medicines containing NEP inhibitors (such as racecadotril). (See also information under the heading “Before you start to take it”).
These medicines may be affected by Lisinopril generic health, or may affect how well it works. You may need to take different amounts of your medicine, or you may need to take different medicines.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information about medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking Lisinopril generic health.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you take any Lisinopril generic health.
How to take Lisinopril generic health
How much to take
Your doctor will tell you how many tablets you need to take each day. This depends on your condition and whether you are taking other medicines.
Take Lisinopril generic health only when prescribed by your doctor.
For high blood pressure
For most patients, the usual starting dose is 5 mg to 10 mg taken once a day. Some patients may need a lower starting dose. The dose may need to be increased depending on your blood pressure. Most patients take between 10 mg to 20 mg each day, taken once a day.
For heart failure
The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg taken once a day. Depending on your response, this dose may need to be increased. The usual dose is 5-20 mg each day, taken once a day.
For heart attack
Lisinopril generic health may be started within 24 hours of the onset of the symptoms of heart attack. The usual starting dose is 5 mg, which is followed 24 hours later by another 5 mg dose. This is then followed 48 hours later by a 10 mg dose, and then 10 mg taken once a day thereafter. Some patients may need a lower starting and maintenance dose.
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the box, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
How to take it
Take your Lisinopril generic health at about the same time each day. Taking your tablet(s) at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take the tablets.
Swallow Lisinopril generichealth with a glass of water or other liquid. It does not matter if you take Lisinopril generic health before or after food.
How long to take it
Continue taking the tablets for as long as your doctor tells you.
Lisinopril generic health helps control your high blood pressure and helps improve your heart failure, but does not cure it. Therefore, you must take Lisinopril generic health every day.
If you forget to take it
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your tablet(s) as you would normally.
If you are not sure whether to skip the dose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed. If you have trouble remembering to take your tablets, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone number 13 11 26 or New Zealand 0800 764 766) or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Lisinopril generic health. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
If you take too many tablets you will probably feel light-headed or dizzy, or you may faint.
While you are taking Lisinopril generic health
Things you must do
Have your blood pressure checked when your doctor says, to make sure Lisinopril generic health is working.
Tell your doctor immediately if you feel any light-headedness or dizziness after you take your first dose of Lisinopril generic health or if your dose is increased. This is especially important if you are taking Lisinopril generic health for heart failure.
If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint, get up slowly when getting out of bed or standing up. You may feel light-headed or dizzy, especially if you are also taking a diuretic (fluid tablet). This is because your blood pressure is falling suddenly.
Standing up slowly, especially when you get up from bed or chairs, will help your body get used to the change in position and blood pressure. If this problem gets worse or continues, talk to your doctor.
If you become pregnant while taking Lisinopril generic health tell your doctor immediately.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Lisinopril generic health.
If you plan to have surgery (even at the dentist) that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Lisinopril generic health. Your blood pressure may drop suddenly during surgery.
Make sure you drink enough water during exercise and hot weather when you are taking Lisinopril generic health, especially if you sweat a lot. If you do not drink enough water while taking Lisinopril generic health, you may faint or feel light-headed or sick. This is because your blood pressure is dropping suddenly. If you continue to feel unwell, tell your doctor.
If you have excessive vomiting and/or diarrhoea while taking Lisinopril generic health, tell your doctor. This can result in you losing too much water and may drop your blood pressure too much.
Go to your doctor regularly for a check-up. Your doctor may occasionally do a blood test to check your potassium level in the blood and see how your kidneys are working.
Things you must not do
Do not take Lisinopril generic health to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give Lisinopril generic health to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Things to be careful of
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Lisinopril generic health affects you.
Lisinopril generic health may cause dizziness (light-headedness) or tiredness in some patients, especially after the first dose or if the dose is increased. Make sure you know how you react to Lisinopril generic health before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or light-headed. If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.
Things that would be helpful for your blood pressure or heart failure
Some self-help measures suggested below may help your condition. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about these measures and for more information.
- Alcohol: Your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.
- Diet: Eat a healthy diet, which includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, cereals and fish. Also eat less fat and sugar.
- Exercise: Regular exercise helps to reduce blood pressure and helps the heart get fitter, but it is important not to overdo it. Walking is good exercise, but try to find a route that is fairly flat. Before starting any exercise, ask your doctor about the best kind of program for you.
- Salt: Your doctor may advise you to watch the amount of salt in your diet. To reduce your salt intake you should avoid using salt in cooking or at the table.
- Smoking: Your doctor may advise you to stop smoking or at least cut down.
- Weight: Your doctor may suggest losing some weight to help lower your blood pressure and help lessen the amount of work your heart has to do. Some people may need a dietitian’s help to lose weight.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Lisinopril generic health.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
- light-headedness or dizziness;
- headache;
- fatigue;
- dry cough;
- mild stomach upsets such as feeling sick;
- diarrhoea, or stomach pains.
- hair loss or thinning;
- impotence;
- changes in the way things taste;
- feeling sleepy or difficulty in going to sleep, strange dreams;
- running nose or sinus pain;
- changes in the way things smell.
These side effects are usually mild.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
- changes in the way your heart beats, for example, if you notice it beating faster;
- itchy skin rash, psoriasis or other skin problems;
- signs of frequent or worrying infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers;
- tingling or numbness of the hands and feet;
- passing less urine than is normal for you;
- bruising more easily than normal;
- severe abdominal pain;
- yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, also called jaundice;
- signs of dehydration such as nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, headache, drowsiness and tiredness;
- seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not there.
These are all serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention.
If any of the following happen, stop taking Lisinopril generic health and tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:
- chest pain, angina;
- swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing;
- wheeziness due to tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing;
- collapse, numbness or weakness of arms or legs;
- pinkish, itchy swellings on the skin, also called hives or nettle rash;
- fainting.
These are all very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious allergic reaction to Lisinopril generic health. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
After taking Lisinopril generic health
Storage
Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them. If you take the tablets out of the blister pack they may not keep well.
Protect from light. Store below 25°C in a dry place.
Do not store it or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.
Do not leave it in the car or on windowsills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep your tablets in a safe place where children cannot see or reach them. A locked cupboard at least one and a half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking the tablets or the tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any tablets that are left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Lisinopril generic health 5 mg are pink coloured, round, biconvex uncoated tablets, with “5” debossed on one side and breakline on the other side.
Lisinopril generic health 10 mg are pink coloured, round, biconvex uncoated tablets, with “10” debossed on one side and breakline on the other side.
Lisinopril generic health 20 mg are pink coloured, round, biconvex uncoated tablets, with “20” debossed on one side and breakline on the other side.
A box of Lisinopril generic health contains 30 tablets.
Ingredients
Active ingredient
Each Lisinopril generic health tablet contains 5 mg, 10 mg or 20 mg lisinopril (as dihydrate).
Other ingredients
- mannitol;
- calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate;
- maize starch;
- pregelatinised maize starch;
- magnesium stearate;
- iron oxide red;
- colloidal anhydrous silica.
Australian Registration Numbers
Lisinopril generic health 5 mg: AUST R 128154.
Lisinopril generic health 10 mg: AUST R 128161.
Lisinopril generic health 20 mg: AUST R 128163.
Sponsor
Generic Health Pty Ltd
Suite 2, Level 2
19-23 Prospect Street
Box Hill, VIC, 3128
Australia
E-mail: ghinfo@generichealth.com.au
Telephone: +61 3 9809 7900
Website: www.generichealth.com.au
Where to go for further information
This is not all the information that is available on Lisinopril generic health. If you have any more questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This leaflet was prepared in April 2021.
Published by MIMS July 2021