Lisinopril 5mg Afrab
What is Lisinopril 5mg?
Lisinopril 5mg is a prescription-only ACE inhibitor (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease. It works by blocking the enzyme that causes blood vessels to narrow — allowing them to relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload on the heart. The 5mg strength is most commonly prescribed as a starting dose for new patients or those requiring careful dose titration, particularly the elderly or those with kidney conditions.
Always use the strength specified on your prescription. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose based on your response to treatment.
What is it used for?
- ✅ High blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children aged 6 and above
- ✅ Heart failure — reducing symptoms and improving survival
- ✅ Heart attack recovery — protecting the heart after a myocardial infarction
- ✅ Diabetic nephropathy — slowing kidney damage in diabetic patients with protein in the urine
- ✅ Chronic kidney disease protection in hypertensive patients
How to take it Take one tablet once daily at the same time each day. Lisinopril can be taken with or without food. Swallow whole with a glass of water. Your doctor will usually start you on 5mg and review your blood pressure response before adjusting your dose upward if needed.
Take it at the same time every day — consistency helps maintain steady blood pressure control. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Never double up.
Important things to know before buying
- Prescription required — a valid prescription must be uploaded at checkout
- Do not use during pregnancy — Lisinopril is strictly contraindicated in pregnancy and can cause serious harm or death to an unborn baby
- Do not use if you have a history of angioedema — a rare but life-threatening swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat linked to ACE inhibitors
- Use with caution if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or are on dialysis
- Avoid taking with potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, or NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) — can raise potassium levels dangerously
- Do not combine with Valsartan, Ramipril, or other ACE inhibitors/ARBs without specialist advice
- Inform your doctor if you are taking diabetes medicines — Lisinopril can enhance blood sugar-lowering effects
- Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium — commonly used in low-sodium diets but can interact dangerously with Lisinopril
Common side effects The most widely reported side effect of Lisinopril — and all ACE inhibitors — is a persistent dry cough. This affects up to 1 in 5 patients and is the most common reason patients switch to an ARB (such as Valsartan or Losartan). Other common side effects include:
- Dry, persistent cough — very common with ACE inhibitors
- Dizziness or lightheadedness — especially when standing up quickly
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea, diarrhoea, or stomach upset
- Low blood pressure (hypotension) — particularly after the first dose
Why is Lisinopril 5mg often the starting dose? Starting at 5mg allows doctors to:
- Assess how well the patient tolerates the medicine before increasing
- Minimise the risk of a sharp first-dose drop in blood pressure
- Carefully monitor kidney function and potassium levels before escalating
- Safely introduce ACE inhibitor therapy in elderly patients or those with existing kidney disease
Once stable, many patients are gradually increased to 10mg or 20mg for optimal blood pressure control.
Who is this for? Lisinopril 5mg is commonly prescribed for:
- Adults newly diagnosed with high blood pressure
- Patients with heart failure needing ACE inhibitor therapy
- Those recovering from a heart attack
- Diabetic patients with signs of kidney involvement
- Elderly patients starting antihypertensive therapy at a cautious dose
- Patients being stepped up from 2.5mg or stepped down from higher doses
Storage Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Store in the original packaging to protect from light. Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.