CLASS and MECHANISM of Action
Generic "Prinivil" is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Angiotensin is a chemical that is made by the body continuously. It narrows blood vessels and thereby maintains (elevates) blood pressure. When the enzyme is blocked by Generic "Prinivil", angiotensin cannot be converted into its active form. As a result, blood pressure falls.
Generic "Prinivil" is a type of drug called an ACE inhibitor. It works by reducing production of a substance that increases salt and water retention in your body.
Active Ingredients: lisinopril
Inactive Ingredients: calcium phosphate, mannitol, magnesium stearate, and starch. The 10 mg and 20 mg tablets also contain iron oxide.
What is Generic "Prinivil" PRESCRIBED For?
Generic "Prinivil" is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or when combined with other high blood pressure medications. It may also be used with other medications in the treatment of heart failure, and may be given within 24 hours of a heart attack to improve chances of survival.
How Should I Take Generic "Prinivil"?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Generic "Prinivil" can be taken with or without food.
Store at room temperature, with the container sealed and dry. Avoid excessive heat or freezing cold.
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS for taking Generic "Prinivil"?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Generic "Prinivil" or other ACE inhibitors such as Capoten, you should not take Generic "Prinivil". You should also avoid Generic "Prinivil" if you suffered angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or legs) during previous treatment with an ACE inhibitor, or have a tendency to develop the condition for any other reason. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
If you develop a sore throat, fever, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat, arms or legs; or have difficulty swallowing or breathing, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may have a serious side effect of the drug and need emergency treatment.
Generic "Prinivil" should not be taken during the final 6 months of pregnancy, the medication can cause birth defects, prematurity, and death in the fetus and newborn. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and are taking Generic "Prinivil", contact your doctor immediately to discuss the potential hazard to your unborn child.
Generic "Prinivil" may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Generic "Prinivil" is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Generic "Prinivil" is finished.
What Happens if I MISS A DOSE?
Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise. If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible but if it's high time for the next dose just skip the missed one and continue your usual schedule.
What Happens if I OVERDOSE?
Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. A severe drop in blood pressure is the primary sign of a Generic "Prinivil" overdose.
What are the possible SIDE EFFECTS of Generic "Prinivil"?
First doses of Generic "Prinivil" can cause dizziness due to a drop in blood pressure. Generic "Prinivil" should be stopped if there are symptoms or signs of an allergic reaction including feelings of swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and hives occasionally occur.
An uncommon but dangerous side effect is a drop in the white blood cells which fight infection. Cough is a known side effect of this drug.
Generic "Prinivil" can impair the function of the kidneys, and every person taking this medication should have their kidney function checked. Generic "Prinivil" rarely can cause nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, nasal congestion and sexual dysfunction.
What other drugs can INTERACT with Generic "Prinivil"?
If Generic "Prinivil" is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Generic "Prinivil" with any of the following:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin (Indocin)
- Lithium (Lithonate, Eskalith)
- Potassium preparations such as K-Phos and Micro-K
- Water pills such as HydroDIURIL and Lasix, and others that leave potassium in the body, such as Aldactone and Midamor
Additional Information
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking Generic "Prinivil". You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
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