Prinivil Blood Pressure Medication: Benefits and Side Effects You Should Know

Blood pressure medication often has multiple purposes. Prinivil, a brand name for Lisinopril, is prescribed for hypertension as well as for congestive heart failure and to improve conditions following a heart attack.

Prinivil, also known as an ACE inhibitor, relaxes the blood vessels to help with better blood flow, WebMD explains. The blood pressure drug usually takes about two to four weeks for the full benefits to take effect. Benefits for heart failure patients aren’t noticed for weeks or months.

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Prinivil isn't guaranteed to work for everyone, so doctors may switch to other medications or adjust the dosage. This change may be necessary if blood pressure readings remain the same or increases when taking the drug.

As with other blood pressure medications, Prinivil has possible side effects. According to Drugs.com, common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and coughing.

More serious side effects include:

• A feeling you are about to pass out
• Muscle weakness or a tired feeling
• Pounding or unusual heartbeats
• Swelling and rapid weight gain
• Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills and body aches
• Less frequent or painful urination
• Swelling of the feet
• Liver problems that may show up as jaundice or yellowing of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, dark colored stools, loss of appetite
• Psoriasis
• Chest pain
• Slow heart rate or a weak pulse
• Tingling sensations

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RxList advises patients taking Prinivil to seek immediate medical attention if the following allergic reactions occur:

• Severe stomach pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Hives
• Swelling to the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Prinivil should not be taken during pregnancy because it may cause injury or even death to the unborn baby, according to Drugs.com. Patients should immediately inform their doctor if they become pregnant while taking the blood pressure medication.

Patients should also tell the doctor if they have had liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or high levels of potassium in the blood if Prinivil has been prescribed.

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