Consumer medicine information

Lisinopril Ranbaxy

Lisinopril

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Lisinopril Ranbaxy

Active ingredient

Lisinopril

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Lisinopril Ranbaxy.

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Lisinopril Ranbaxy.

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 Ranbaxy against the benefits it is expected to 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 Ranbaxy is used for

Lisinopril Ranbaxy is used to:

  • lower high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • treat heart failure
  • treat 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, including stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.

Lisinopril Ranbaxy is used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).

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, people may feel short of breath or may get tired easily after light physical activity such as walking. Some people 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 Ranbaxy may help to improve the symptoms of heart failure.

When used to treat heart failure, Lisinopril Ranbaxy 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 becomes damaged. This may lead to further complications such as heart failure, irregular heart rhythms and blood clots.

In some patients, Lisinopril Ranbaxy may help to prevent some of the further complications of heart attack, such as heart failure.

Your doctor may prescribe Lisinopril Ranbaxy for another reason.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Lisinopril Ranbaxy has been prescribed for you.

How Lisinopril Ranbaxy works

Lisinopril Ranbaxy belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

These medicines work by widening your blood vessels, which reduces the pressure in the blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

This helps increase the supply of oxygen to your heart, so that when you place extra demands on your heart, such as during exercise, your heart may cope better and you may not get short of breath as easily.

By increasing the supply of oxygen to your heart, your heart does not have to work as hard which may reduce the risk of further damage to your heart after you have had a heart attack.

There is no evidence that Lisinopril Ranbaxy is addictive.

This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.

Use in children

The safety and effectiveness of Lisinopril Ranbaxy in children has not been established.

Before you take Lisinopril Ranbaxy

When you must not take it

Do not take Lisinopril Ranbaxy if:

  • you have taken any other ‘ACE inhibitor’ medicine before, which caused your face, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet to swell up, or made it hard for you to breathe.
If you have had an allergic reaction to an ACE inhibitor before, you may be allergic to Lisinopril Ranbaxy.
  • you have had an allergic reaction to Lisinopril Ranbaxy or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, rash, itching or hives on the skin.
  • you have a history of swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet, for no apparent reason, or your family has a history of these symptoms.
  • you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Your baby may absorb this medicine in the womb or from breast milk and therefore there is a possibility of harm to the baby.
  • the tablets show visible signs of deterioration.
  • the date has passed the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If you take this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
If the medicine has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
  • you are undergoing dialysis using polyacrylonitrile-metalylsulphonate high-flux membranes.
Check with your doctor or nurse if you undergo dialysis and you are not sure which type of membrane is used.

If you are not sure whether you should start taking Lisinopril Ranbaxy, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to take it

Your doctor must know about all of the following before you start to take Lisinopril Ranbaxy:

  1. If you intend to become pregnant or intend to breast-feed.
Lisinopril Ranbaxy should not be used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.
  1. If you suffer from:
  • kidney disease, or are undergoing dialysis
  • low blood pressure (you may notice this as faintness or dizziness, especially when standing)
  • liver disease
  • aortic stenosis, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • any other medical conditions
  1. If you are following a very low salt diet.
  2. If you have had any allergy to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
  3. If you are going to receive desensitisation treatment for an allergy, e.g. to insect stings.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you take any Lisinopril Ranbaxy.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you have bought from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some of the medicines in common use may interfere with Lisinopril Ranbaxy. These include:

  • other medicines used to treat high blood pressure
  • diuretic tablets - also called fluid or water tablets
  • lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and some types of depression
  • potassium tablets such as Slow-K, Span-K, KSR, K-Mag or Chlorvescent
  • potassium-containing salt substitutes such as Pressor K
  • any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis
  • other medicines used to treat diabetes
  • general anaesthetics

These medicines may be affected by Lisinopril Ranbaxy, 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 or pharmacist has a more complete list of medicines to avoid while taking Lisinopril Ranbaxy.

How to take Lisinopril Ranbaxy

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 Ranbaxy only when prescribed by your doctor.

For high blood pressure:

For most patients, the usual starting dose is 5 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 and 20 mg, 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 to 20 mg each day, taken once a day.

For heart attack:

Lisinopril Ranbaxy may be started within 24 hours of the onset of the symptoms of heart attack and may be continued for six weeks or more.

The usual starting dose is 5 mg and then as directed by your doctor.

The usual maintenance dose is 10 mg once a day. Some people may need a lower starting and maintenance dose.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

How to take it

Swallow Lisinopril Ranbaxy with a glass of water or other liquid.

When to take it

Take your Lisinopril Ranbaxy 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.

It does not matter if you take Lisinopril Ranbaxy before or after food.

How long to take it

Lisinopril Ranbaxy helps control your high blood pressure and helps improve your heart failure, but does not cure it. Therefore it must be taken every day.

Continue taking Lisinopril Ranbaxy for as long as your doctor prescribes it.

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 what you should do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed. This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.

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 the Poisons Information Centre (telephone number 13  11  26) or go to the Accident & Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Lisinopril Ranbaxy. 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 using Lisinopril Ranbaxy

Things you must do

Have your blood pressure checked when your doctor says to make sure that the Lisinopril Ranbaxy is working.

Tell your doctor immediately, if you feel light-headed or dizzy after taking your first dose of Lisinopril Ranbaxy, or if your dose is increased. This is especially important if you are taking Lisinopril Ranbaxy 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 suddenly falling.

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 continues or gets worse, talk to your doctor.

If you become pregnant while taking Lisinopril Ranbaxy, tell your doctor immediately.

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 Ranbaxy. Your blood pressure may drop suddenly during surgery.

Make sure you drink enough water during exercise and hot weather when you are taking Lisinopril Ranbaxy, especially if you sweat a lot. If you do not drink enough water while taking Lisinopril Ranbaxy, you may feel faint, 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 Ranbaxy, tell your doctor. This can result in your losing too much water and salt and your blood pressure may drop too much.

Go to your doctor regularly for a check-up. Your doctor may occasionally do a blood test to check the potassium level in your blood and see how your kidneys are working.

Things you must not do

Do not give Lisinopril Ranbaxy to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Do not take Lisinopril Ranbaxy to treat any other complaints unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.

Do not stop taking Lisinopril Ranbaxy, or lower the dosage, without checking with your doctor.

Things to be careful of

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Lisinopril Ranbaxy affects you.

As with other ACE inhibitor medicines, Lisinopril Ranbaxy may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some patients, especially after the first dose or if the dose is increased. Make sure you know how you react to Lisinopril Ranbaxy before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or light-headed. If this occurs, do not drive.

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 reasonably flat.
  • Before starting any exercise, ask your doctor about the best kind of programme 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 Ranbaxy.

Lisinopril helps most people with high blood pressure and heart failure, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. 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, constipation or stomach pains

These are usually mild side effects of lisinopril.

Tell your doctor immediately or go to casualty at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:

  • chest pain, angina
  • changes in the way your heart beats, for example, if you notice it beating faster
  • difficulty breathing
  • wheeziness due to tightness in the chest
  • itchy skin rash 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 urine less than is normal for you
  • bruising more easily than normal
  • severe abdominal pain
  • collapse, numbness or weakness of arms or legs

These are all serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.

If any of the following happens, stop taking Lisinopril Ranbaxy and tell your doctor immediately or go to casualty at your nearest hospital:

  • swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
  • pinkish, itchy swellings on the skin, also called hives or nettle rash
  • fainting
  • yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, also called jaundice

These are all very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious allergic reaction to Lisinopril Ranbaxy. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. All of these side effects are rare.

Also tell your doctor if you notice:

  • hair loss or thinning
  • impotence
  • psoriasis and other serious skin conditions
  • changes in the way things taste
  • feeling sleepy or difficulty in going to sleep, strange dreams
  • running nose or sinus pain

These are other side effects that have been reported with lisinopril.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor if you notice any other effects.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

After using Lisinopril Ranbaxy

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.

Keep Lisinopril Ranbaxy in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25ºC.

Do not store Lisinopril Ranbaxy or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.

Do not leave it in the car or on window sills.

Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep your medicines in a safe place where children cannot 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.

Where to go to for further information

Pharmaceutical companies are not in a position to give people an individual diagnosis or medical advice. Your doctor or pharmacist is the best person to give you advice on the treatment of your condition. You may also be able to find general information about your disease and its treatment from patient information groups.

Product Description

What it looks like

Lisinopril Ranbaxy 5 mg tablets - Round, light yellow, scored tablets marked with “5” on one side; in pack sizes of 30 tablets.

Lisinopril Ranbaxy 10 mg tablets - Round, light yellow scored tablets marked with “10” on one side; in pack sizes of 30 tablets.

Lisinopril Ranbaxy 20 mg tablets - Round, light peach, scored tablets marked with “20” on one side; in pack sizes of 30 tablets.

Ingredients

Active Ingredient:

  • Lisinopril Ranbaxy 5 mg tablets – contain 5 mg of lisinopril (as dihydrate) per tablet
  • Lisinopril Ranbaxy 10 mg tablets – contain 10 mg of lisinopril (as dihydrate) per tablet
  • Lisinopril Ranbaxy 20 mg tablets – contain 20 mg of lisinopril (as dihydrate) per tablet

Other Inactive Ingredients:

  • Mannitol
  • Calcium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous
  • Maize Starch
  • Pregelatinised maize starch
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Iron oxide yellow
  • Iron oxide red (20 mg tablets only)

Lisinopril Ranbaxy does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

Australian Registration Numbers

Lisinopril Ranbaxy 5 mg tablets - AUST R 153189

Lisinopril Ranbaxy 10 mg tablets - AUST R 153190

Lisinopril Ranbaxy 20 mg tablets - AUST R 153191

Sponsor

Ranbaxy Australia Pty Ltd.
Suite 4.02, Level 4, Building D
12-24 Talavera Road
North Ryde, NSW 2113
Australia

Date of leaflet preparation:
February 2009

Published by MIMS May 2010

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Lisinopril Ranbaxy

Active ingredient

Lisinopril

Schedule

S4

 

Name of the medicine

Lisinopril dihydrate.

Excipients.

Mannitol, calcium hydrogen phosphate, maize starch, pregelatinised maize starch, magnesium stearate. All strengths also contain iron oxide yellow (CI77492), while the 20 mg tablet also contains iron oxide red (CI77491).

Description

Chemical Name: N-[N-[(1S)-1-carboxy-3-phenylpropyl]-L-lysyl]-L-proline dihydrate. Molecular Formula: C21H31N3O5.2H2O. Molecular Weight: 441.53. CAS Number: 83915-83-7.
A synthetic peptide derivative, lisinopril dihydrate is an oral long-acting angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. It is a lysine analogue of enalaprilat (active metabolite of enalapril).
Lisinopril dihydrate is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is soluble in water, sparingly soluble in methanol and practically insoluble in ethanol.

Pharmacology

Mechanism of action.

Lisinopril is a peptidyl dipeptidase inhibitor. It inhibits the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) that catalyses the conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor substance, angiotensin ll. Angiotensin ll also stimulates aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex. Inhibition of ACE results in decreased concentrations of plasma angiotensin ll which results in decreased vasopressor activity and to decreased aldosterone secretion. The latter decrease may result in a small increase of serum potassium. In hypertensive patients with normal renal function treated with lisinopril alone for up to 24 weeks, the mean increase in serum potassium was approximately 0.1 mmol/L; however, approximately 15% of patients had increases greater than 0.5 mmol/L and approximately 6% had a decrease greater than 0.5 mmol/L. In the same study, patients treated with lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide for up to 24 weeks had a mean decrease in serum potassium of 0.1 mmol/L; approximately 4% of patients had increases greater than 0.5 mmol/L and approximately 12% had a decrease greater than 0.5 mmol/L (see Precautions). Removal of angiotensin ll negative feedback on renin secretion leads to increased plasma renin activity.
While the mechanism through which lisinopril lowers blood pressure is believed to be primarily suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, lisinopril is antihypertensive even in patients with low-renin hypertension. Although lisinopril was antihypertensive in all races studied, black hypertensive patients (usually a low-renin hypertensive population) had a smaller average response to monotherapy than non-black patients. Concomitant administration of lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide further reduced blood pressure in black and non-black patients and any racial differences in blood pressure response was no longer evident.
ACE is identical to kininase II, an enzyme that degrades bradykinin. Whether increased levels of bradykinin, a potent vasodepressor peptide, play a role in the therapeutic effects of lisinopril remains to be elucidated.
When combined with other antihypertensive agents, additive falls in blood pressure may occur.
ACE is known to be present in the endothelium and increased ACE activity in diabetic patients which results in the formation of angiotensin II and destruction of bradykinin, potentiates the damage to the endothelium caused by hyperglycaemia. ACE inhibitors, including lisinopril, inhibit the formation of angiotensin II and breakdown of bradykinin and hence ameliorate endothelial dysfunction.
The effects of lisinopril on urinary albumin excretion rate and on the progression of retinopathy in diabetic patients is mediated by a reduction in blood pressure as well as a direct mechanism on the renal and retinal tissues.
Lisinopril treatment is not associated with an increased incidence of hypoglycaemic events in diabetic patients and it does not affect glycaemic control as shown by a lack of significant effect on levels of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c).

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism.

Following oral administration, peak serum concentrations of lisinopril occur within about 7 hours, although there was a trend to a small delay in time taken to reach peak serum concentrations in acute myocardial infarction patients. Declining serum concentrations exhibit a prolonged terminal phase which does not contribute to drug accumulation. This terminal phase probably represents saturable binding to ACE and is not proportional to dose. Lisinopril does not appear to be bound to other serum proteins.
Lisinopril does not undergo metabolism and absorbed drug is excreted unchanged entirely in the urine. Based on urinary recovery, the mean extent of absorption of lisinopril is approximately 25%, with large inter-patient variability (6% to 60%) at all doses tested (5 to 80 mg). Lisinopril absorption is not affected by the presence of food in the gastrointestinal tract.
Studies using other formulations of lisinopril have shown that lisinopril exhibits an effective half-life of accumulation of 12.6 hours upon multiple dosing.
Impaired renal function decreases elimination of lisinopril, which is excreted principally through the kidneys, but this decrease becomes clinically important only when the glomerular filtration rate is below 30 mL/min. Above this glomerular filtration rate, the elimination half-life is little changed. With greater impairment, however, peak and trough lisinopril levels increase, time to peak concentration increases and time to attain steady state is prolonged. Older patients, on average, have (approximately doubled) higher blood levels and higher values for the area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) than younger patients (see Dosage and Administration). Lisinopril can be removed by haemodialysis.
Studies in rats indicate that lisinopril crosses the blood-brain barrier poorly. Multiple doses of lisinopril in rats do not result in accumulation in any tissues. Milk of lactating rats contained radioactivity following administration of 14C lisinopril. By whole body autoradiography, radioactivity was found in the placenta following administration of labelled drug to pregnant rats, but none was found in the foetuses.

Pharmacodynamics.

Administration of lisinopril to patients with hypertension results in a reduction of supine and standing blood pressure to about the same extent with no compensatory tachycardia. Symptomatic postural hypotension is usually not observed although it can occur and should be anticipated in volume and/or salt-depleted patients (see Precautions). When given together with thiazide-type diuretics, the blood pressure lowering effects of the two drugs are approximately additive.
In most patients studied, onset of antihypertensive activity was seen 1 to 2 hours after oral administration of an individual dose of lisinopril, with peak reduction of blood pressure achieved by 6 hours. Although an antihypertensive effect was observed 24 hours after dosing with recommended single daily doses, the effect was more consistent and the mean effect was considerably larger in some studies with doses of 20 mg or more than with lower doses. However, in all doses studied, the mean antihypertensive effect was substantially smaller 24 hours after dosing than it was 6 hours after dosing.
In some patients achievement of optimal blood pressure reduction may require 2 to 4 weeks of therapy.
The antihypertensive effects of lisinopril are maintained during long-term therapy. Abrupt withdrawal of lisinopril has not been associated with a rapid increase in blood pressure, or a significant increase in blood pressure compared to pre-treatment levels.
Two dose-response studies utilising a once daily regimen were conducted in 438 mild to moderate hypertensive patients not on a diuretic. Blood pressure was measured 24 hours after dosing. An antihypertensive effect of lisinopril was seen with 5 mg in some patients. However, in both studies blood pressure reduction occurred sooner and was greater in patients treated with 10, 20 or 80 mg of lisinopril. In controlled clinical studies, lisinopril 20 to 80 mg has been compared in patients with mild to moderate hypertension with hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 to 50 mg and with atenolol 50 to 200 mg; and in patients with moderate to severe hypertension with metoprolol 100 to 200 mg. It was superior to hydrochlorothiazide in effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a population that was ¾ Caucasian. Lisinopril was approximately equivalent to atenolol and metoprolol in effects on diastolic blood pressure, and had somewhat greater effects on systolic blood pressure.
Lisinopril had similar effectiveness and adverse effects in younger and older (> 65 years) patients. It was less effective in blacks than in Caucasians.
In haemodynamic studies in patients with essential hypertension, blood pressure reduction was accompanied by a reduction in peripheral arterial resistance with little or no change in cardiac output and in heart rate. In a study in 9 hypertensive patients, following administration of lisinopril, there was an increase in mean renal blood flow that was not significant. Data from several small studies are inconsistent with respect to the effect of lisinopril on glomerular filtration rate in hypertensive patients with normal renal function, but suggest that changes, if any, are not large.

Clinical Trials

Acute myocardial infarction.

Lisinopril is indicated in the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction to prevent the subsequent development of left ventricular dysfunction (as defined by an ejection fraction equal to or less than 35%) or heart failure and to improve survival, based on the outcome of the GISSI-3 trial. The Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sporavvienza nell'Infarto Miocardico (GISSI-3) study was a multicentre, controlled, randomised, unblinded clinical trial conducted in 19,394 patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted to a coronary care unit. It was designed to examine the effects of short-term (6 week) treatment with lisinopril, nitrates, their combination, or no therapy on short-term (6 week) mortality and on longer-term death and markedly impaired cardiac function. Patients presenting within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms who were haemodynamically stable were randomised, in a 2 x 2 factorial design, to 6 weeks of either: 1) lisinopril alone (n = 4841), 2) nitrates alone (n = 4869), 3) lisinopril plus nitrates (n = 4841), or 4) open control (n = 4843). All patients received routine therapies, including thrombolytics (72%), aspirin (84%), and a beta-blocker (31%), as appropriate, normally utilised in acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients.
The protocol excluded patients with hypotension (systolic blood pressure ≤ 100 mmHg), severe heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and renal dysfunction (serum creatinine > 2 mg/dL and/or proteinuria > 500 mg/24 hr). Doses of lisinopril were adjusted as necessary according to protocol (see Dosage and Administration).
Study treatment was withdrawn at 6 weeks except where clinical conditions indicated continuation of treatment.
The primary outcomes of the trial were the overall mortality at 6 weeks and a combined endpoint at 6 months after the myocardial infarction, consisting of a number of patients who died, had late (day 4) clinical congestive heart failure, or had extensive left ventricular damage defined as ejection fraction ≤ 35% or an akinetic-dyskinetic [A-D] score ≥ 45%. Patients receiving lisinopril (n = 9646), alone or with nitrates, had an 11% lower risk of death (2p [two-tailed] = 0.04) compared to patients receiving no lisinopril (n = 9672) (6.4% vs. 7.2%, respectively) at 6 weeks. The reduction in mortality at 6 months was not significant, but this was not a primary outcome measure. Although patients randomised to receive lisinopril for up to 6 weeks also fared numerically better on the combined end-point at 6 months, the open nature of the assessment of heart failure, substantial loss to follow-up echocardiography, and substantial excess use of lisinopril between 6 weeks and 6 months in the group randomised to 6 weeks of lisinopril, preclude any conclusion about this endpoint.
Patients with acute myocardial infarction, treated with lisinopril, had a higher (9.0% vs. 3.7%) incidence of persistent hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg for more than 1 hr) and renal dysfunction (2.4% vs. 1.1%) in-hospital and at 6 weeks (increasing creatinine concentration to over 3 mg/dL or a doubling or more of the baseline serum creatinine concentration).

Renal complication of diabetes.

EUCLID (EURODIAB Controlled Trial of Lisinopril in Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) was an 18 centre, multinational, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. It investigated the effects of lisinopril on the urinary albumin excretion rate (AER) in 530 normotensive men and women aged 20-59 years with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and normoalbuminuria or microalbuminuria. The study recruited patients with a DBP in the range 75-90 mmHg inclusive provided that the SBP was ≤ 155 mmHg. Patients received either lisinopril 10 mg od or matching placebo for 2 years. Titration up to 20 mg od of lisinopril or 2 placebo tablets was permitted if sitting DBP had not reached the target value of less than 75 mmHg after 3 months of treatment. Nifedipine treatment (20 mg bd) was initiated if the BP remained inadequately controlled (SBP > 160 mmHg, DBP > 95 mmHg).
The primary efficacy variable was the rate of change in the urinary albumin excretion rate (AER) measured from two consecutive overnight urine collections at 6 monthly intervals from baseline to 24 months in the whole patient group (i.e. normoalbuminuric and microalbuminuric at baseline). After 24 months treatment the AER was 18.8% [95% CI: 2.0, 32.7] lower in the lisinopril group (n = 230) compared to the placebo group (n = 226) with a between group difference of 2.2 microgram/min (p = 0.03) when adjusted for baseline AER and centre. After adjustment for DBP reduction produced by lisinopril the between group relative difference in AER was reduced to 17.3% (95% CI: 0.2, 31.5, p = 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in AER between lisinopril and placebo in patients with good baseline glycaemic control (HbA1C < 7%) or with a baseline DBP > 80 mmHg.
In patients with baseline microalbuminuria the AER was 49.7% [95% CI: -14.5, 77.9] lower in the lisinopril group (n = 39) compared to placebo (n = 34), p = 0.10. Only 15% (n = 79) of the randomised patients had baseline microalbuminuria compared to 40% anticipated by the protocol. This may have left the study underpowered to detect a statistically significant difference in the AER between treatments in patients with baseline microalbuminuria. In a non-protocol specified subgroup analysis in patients with baseline microalbuminuria (AER 20-200 microgram/min) and endpoint AER the absolute difference in mean AER between the lisinopril group (n = 39) and the placebo group (n = 34) was 38.5 microgram/min (p = 0.001).
The results also show that lisinopril does not increase the risk of hypoglycaemic events in IDDM as there was no treatment difference in hypoglycaemic events or glycaemic control throughout the study.

Congestive heart failure.

The effect of lisinopril on mortality and morbidity in congestive heart failure has been studied by comparing a high dose (32.5 mg or 35 mg once daily) with a low dose (2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily). Patients receiving high dose lisinopril were titrated gradually up to the highest dose tolerated up to a maximum of 32.5 mg or 35 mg once daily. Patients who were intolerant to lisinopril were excluded from the study. In a study of 3164 patients, with a median follow-up period of 46 months for surviving patients, statistically non-significant reductions were observed in the primary endpoint all-cause mortality or the secondary endpoint of cardiovascular mortality. However, compared with low dose, high-dose lisinopril produced a 12% risk reduction in the combined endpoint of all-cause mortality and all-cause hospitalisation (p = 0.002), an endpoint added during the trial. In a post-hoc analysis, the number of hospitalisations for heart failure was reduced by 24% (p = 0.002) in patients treated with high-dose lisinopril compared with low dose. Symptomatic benefits were similar in patients treated with high and low doses of lisinopril. This trial did not study whether 35 mg is more effective than the currently recommended upper limit of the usual dose of 20 mg.
The results of the study showed that the overall adverse event profiles for patients treated with high or low dose lisinopril were similar in both nature and number. The overall adverse event rate included deaths and hospitalisations that contributed to the estimation of efficacy. The percentage of drug-related adverse events was 8% higher in the high dose group (a relative difference of 25%). The excess in the high dose group was due to events of the type which would be expected from the pharmacological actions of lisinopril. Predictable events resulting from ACE inhibition, such as hypotension or altered renal function, were manageable and rarely led to treatment withdrawal. Cough was less frequent in patients treated with high dose lisinopril compared with low dose. NYHA classification (a measure of quality of life) did not differ between treatment groups.

Indications

Hypertension.

Lisinopril is indicated in the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or concomitantly with other classes of antihypertensive agents. Sufficient data have not been provided to support the use of lisinopril in severe hypertension or renovascular hypertension.

Congestive heart failure.

Lisinopril is also indicated in the treatment of heart failure. In such patients, it is recommended that lisinopril be administered together with a diuretic.

Acute myocardial infarction.

Lisinopril is indicated for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction in haemodynamically stable patients, defined as patients who are not in cardiogenic shock and who have a systolic blood pressure greater than 100 mmHg. Lisinopril may be initiated within 24 hours of an acute myocardial infarction.

Contraindications

Lisinopril is contraindicated in:
Patients who are hypersensitive to lisinopril or any other ingredient listed under Description.
Patients with a history of hereditary and/or idiopathic angioedema or angioedema associated with previous treatment with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor.
Patients with hereditary or idiopathic angioedema.
Pregnancy (see Precautions, Use in pregnancy).
Patients undergoing haemodialysis with polyacrylonitrile-metalylsulphonate high flux membranes
There is a risk of anaphylactoid reaction (hypersensitivity reactions which may be severe, e.g. shock) with the simultaneous use of an ACE inhibitor and polyacrylonitrile-metalylsulphonate high flux dialysis membranes (e.g. AN69) or during low-density lipoproteins (LDL) apheresis with dextran sulphate within the framework of dialysis treatment. This combination thus needs to be avoided, either by using other medical products to control high blood pressure or cardiac insufficiency or by using other membranes during dialysis.

Precautions

Anaphylactoid reactions during Hymenoptera desensitization.

Patients receiving ACE inhibitors during desensitisation (e.g. to Hymenoptera venom) have sustained anaphylactoid reactions. These reactions have been avoided when ACE inhibitors were temporarily withheld.

Angioedema.

Severe life-threatening angioedema has been reported rarely with most of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. There seems to be no sex difference in the incidence of angioedema or in the predisposition to angioedema in patients with heart failure or hypertension. Most commonly angioedema occurs during the first week of therapy, but it has also been reported after long-term therapy. Patients may have multiple episodes of angioedema with long symptom-free intervals.
Angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. This may occur at any time during treatment. In such cases, the product should be discontinued promptly and appropriate monitoring instituted to ensure complete resolution of symptoms prior to dismissing the patient. Patients who respond to medical treatment should be observed carefully for a possible rebound phenomenon.
In instances when swelling has been confined to the face and lips, the angiodema has generally resolved either without treatment or with antihistamines. Angioedema associated with laryngeal oedema is potentially life-threatening. Very rarely, fatalities have been reported due to angioedema associated with laryngeal oedema or tongue oedema. Where involvement of the tongue, glottis, or larynx is likely to cause airway obstruction appropriate emergency therapy, including adrenaline and oxygen administration and/or the maintenance of a patent airway, should be carried out promptly and the patient may need to be hospitalised. The patient should be under close medical supervision until complete and sustained resolution of symptoms has occurred.
Angioedema may occur with or without urticaria.

Race.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors cause a higher rate of angioedema in Afro-Caribbean black patients than in non-Afro-Caribbean black patients.
Patients with a history of angioedema unrelated to ACE inhibitor therapy may be at increased risk of angioedema whilst receiving an ACE inhibitor.

Symptomatic hypotension.

Hypotension may occur in patients commencing treatment with ACE inhibitors. Excessive hypotension is rarely seen in patients with uncomplicated hypertension but can develop in patients with impaired renal function, in those that are salt/volume depleted because of renovascular disease, diuretic therapy, vomiting or diarrhoea, and in patients undergoing dialysis (see Precautions, Impaired renal function, Interactions with Other Medicines and Adverse Effects). In patients with severe congestive heart failure, with or without associated renal insufficiency, excessive hypotension has been observed. This may be associated with syncope, neurological deficits, oliguria and/or progressive azotemia, and rarely with acute renal failure and/or death. Because of the potential fall in blood pressure in these patients, therapy should be started at low doses under very close supervision. Such patients should be followed closely for the first 2 weeks of treatment and whenever the dosage is increased, or diuretic therapy is commenced or increased.
Similar considerations may apply to patients with ischaemic heart or cerebrovascular disease in whom an excessive fall in blood pressure could result in myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident, respectively. In all high risk patients, it is advisable to initiate treatment at lower dosages than those usually recommended for uncomplicated patients.
If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in a supine position and, if necessary, receive an intravenous infusion of normal saline. A transient hypotensive response is not a contraindication to further doses which usually can be given without difficulty once the blood pressure has increased.
As with other vasodilators, lisinopril should be given with caution to patients with aortic stenosis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypotension in acute myocardial infarction.

Treatment with lisinopril must not be initiated in acute myocardial infarction patients who are at risk of further serious haemodynamic deterioration after treatment with a vasodilator. These are patients with systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or lower or cardiogenic shock. During the first 3 days following the infarction, the dose should be reduced if the systolic blood pressure is 120 mmHg or lower. Maintenance doses should be reduced to 5 mg or temporarily to 2.5 mg if systolic blood pressure is 100 mmHg or lower. If hypotension persists (systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg for more than 1 hour) then lisinopril should be withdrawn.

Neutropenia/agranulocytosis.

Another angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor has been shown to cause agranulocytosis and bone marrow depression (including leucopenia/neutropenia). These reports generally involve patients who have pre-existing renal dysfunction and/or collagen vascular disease, some of whom have received concomitant immunosuppressant therapy. Most reports describe transient episodes for which a causal relationship to the ACE inhibitor could not be established. Available data from clinical trials of lisinopril are insufficient to show that lisinopril does not cause agranulocytosis at similar rates. International marketing experience has revealed cases of neutropenia or agranulocytosis in which a causal relationship to lisinopril cannot be excluded.
It is recommended that periodic haematologic monitoring be considered in patients with diseases known to affect bone marrow function (e.g. renal dysfunction, collagen vascular disease, etc) and/or who are taking concomitant therapy known to be associated with bone marrow depression.

Impaired renal function.

Changes in renal function may be anticipated in susceptible individuals. In patients with severe congestive heart failure whose renal function may depend on the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, treatment with ACE inhibitors may be associated with oliguria and/or progressive azotemia, and rarely with acute renal failure and/or death.
In patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine have been observed. These increases are usually reversible upon discontinuation of ACE treatment. ACE inhibitors should be avoided in patients with known or suspected bilateral renal artery stenosis. When an ACE inhibitor is given to a patient with stenosis of the renal artery supplying a solitary kidney or with bilateral renal artery stenosis, acute renal insufficiency may occur. ACE inhibition may also cause a decrease in renal function in patients with stenosis of the artery supplying a transplanted kidney. It is believed that renal artery stenosis reduces glomerular filtration pressure. Under these circumstances, renal function is dependent on angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction of the efferent arteriole. When an ACE inhibitor is given, the efferent arteriole relaxes, glomerular filtration decreases, and renal failure may result. The thrombotic occlusion of a stenosed renal artery can be precipitated by ACE inhibitors.
Some patients with no apparent pre-existing renovascular disease have developed increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine which is usually minor and transient. This is more likely to occur in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or in those on diuretics.
Dosage reduction of the ACE inhibitor and/or discontinuation of the diuretic may be required.
In acute myocardial infarction, treatment with lisinopril should not be initiated in patients with evidence of renal dysfunction, defined as serum creatinine concentration exceeding 177 microgrammol/L and/or proteinuria exceeding 500 mg/24 hr. If renal dysfunction develops during treatment with lisinopril (serum creatinine concentration exceeding 265 microgrammol/L or a doubling from the pre-treatment value) then the physician should consider withdrawal of lisinopril.
Evaluation of the hypertensive patient should always include assessment of renal function (see Dosage and Administration). In patients with renal artery stenosis, if a deterioration in renal function has occurred after treatment with one ACE inhibitor, then it is likely to be precipitated by another and in these patients usage of another class of antihypertensive agent would be preferable.
Patients with unilateral renal artery stenosis present a special problem as deterioration of function may not be apparent from measurement of blood urea and serum creatinine.
It is possible that in patients with compromised renal function who are being treated with NSAIDs, the co-administration of lisinopril may result in a further deterioration of renal function. This may result in an increase in serum potassium, but it appears that these effects are usually reversible.

Combination use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists, anti-inflammatory drugs and thiazide diuretics.

The use of an ACE inhibiting drug (ACE-inhibitor or angiotensin receptor antagonist), an anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID or COX-2 inhibitor) and a thiazide diuretic at the same time increases the risk of renal impairment. This includes use in fixed-combination products containing more than one class of drug. Combined use of these medications should be accompanied by increased monitoring of serum creatinine, particularly at the institution of the combination. The combination of drugs from these three classes should be used with caution particularly in elderly patients or those with pre-existing renal impairment.

Impaired liver function.

Hepatitis (hepatocellular and/or cholestatic), elevations of liver enzymes and/or serum bilirubin have occurred during therapy with other ACE inhibitors in patients with or without pre-existing liver abnormalities. In most cases the changes were reversed on discontinuation of the drug.
There are no adequate studies in patients with cirrhosis and/or liver dysfunction. Lisinopril should be used with particular caution in patients with pre-existing liver abnormalities. In such patients baseline liver function tests should be obtained before administration of the drug and close monitoring of response and metabolic effects should apply.

Hyperkalaemia.

Because the ACE inhibitors decrease the formation of Angiotensin II and the subsequent production of aldosterone, serum potassium concentrations exceeding 5.5 mEq/L may occur. Hyperkalaemia is more likely in patients with some degree of renal impairment, those treated with potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements, and in those consuming potassium-containing salt substitutes. Diabetics, and elderly diabetics particularly, may be at increased risk of hyperkalaemia. In some patients, hyponatraemia may co-exist with hyperkalaemia. It is recommended that patients taking an ACE inhibitor should have serum electrolytes (including potassium, sodium, and urea) measured from time to time. This is more important in patients taking diuretics.

Surgery/anaesthesia.

In patients undergoing major surgery or who require anaesthesia, hypotension due to anaesthetic agents may be greater in patients receiving ACE inhibitors because of interference with compensatory mechanisms associated with the renin-angiotensin system. If perioperative hypotension occurs, volume expansion would be required.

Cough.

A persistent dry (non-productive) irritating cough has been reported with ACE inhibitors. In various studies, the incidence of cough varies depending upon the drug, dosage, duration of use and method of analysis.
The cough is most likely due to stimulation of the pulmonary cough reflex by kinins (bradykinin) and/or prostaglandins which accumulate because of ACE inhibition. A change to another class of drugs may be required in severe cases.

Dermatological reactions.

Dermatological reactions characterised by maculo-papular pruritic rashes and sometimes photosensitivity have been reported rarely with ACE inhibitors. Rare and occasionally severe skin reactions (e.g. lichenoid eruptions, psoriasis, pemphigus-like rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome) have also been reported with some ACE inhibitors. A causal relationship is sometimes difficult to assess.
Patients who develop a cutaneous reaction with one ACE inhibitor might not when switched to another drug of the same class, but there are reports of cross-reactivity.

Taste disturbances (dysgeusia).

The incidence of taste disturbance was reported to be high (up to 12.5%) with high doses of another ACE inhibitor but the overall incidence for the class is probably low. However, the relevant data are scarce and difficult to interpret.
The taste disturbance has been described as a suppression of taste or a metallic sensation in the mouth. The dysgeusia usually occurs in the first few weeks of treatment and may disappear within 1 to 3 months despite continued treatment.

Diabetic patients.

In diabetic patients treated with oral antidiabetic agents or insulin, glycaemic control should be closely monitored during the first month of treatment with lisinopril.

Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and impairment of fertility.

There was no evidence of a tumorigenic effect when lisinopril was administered for 105 weeks to male and female rats at doses up to 90 mg/kg/day or when lisinopril was administered for 92 weeks to male and female mice at doses up to 135 mg/kg/day. At least one other ACE inhibitor has caused an increase in the incidence of oxyphilic renal tubular cells and oncocytomas in rats. The potential for lisinopril to cause a similar effect is unknown. Lisinopril was not genotoxic in assays for gene mutations, chromosomal damage and DNA damage.
There were no adverse effects on reproductive performance in male and female rats treated with up to 300 mg/kg/day of lisinopril.

Use in pregnancy.

(Category D)
As with all ACE inhibitors, Lisinopril-Ranbaxy should not be taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy should be excluded before starting treatment with Lisinopril-Ranbaxy and avoided during pregnancy.
If a patient intends to become pregnant, treatment with ACE inhibitors must be discontinued and replaced by another form of treatment.
If a patient becomes pregnant while on ACE inhibitors, she must immediately inform her doctor to discuss a change in medication and further management.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of ACE inhibitors in pregnant women, but foetotoxicity is well documented in animal models. Data, however, show that ACE inhibitors cross the human placenta. Post-marketing experience with all ACE inhibitors suggests that exposure in utero may be associated with hypotension and decreased renal perfusion in the foetus. ACE inhibitors have also been associated with foetal death in utero. Adverse effects appear to be most likely in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
A historical cohort study in over 29,000 infants born to non-diabetic mothers has shown 2.7 times higher risk for congenital malformations in infants exposed to any ACE inhibitor during 1st trimester compared to no exposure. The risk ratios for cardiovascular and central nervous system malformations were 3.7 times (95% confidence interval 1.89 to 7.3) and 4.4 times (95% confidence interval 1.37 to 14.02) respectively, compared to no exposure.
When ACE inhibitors have been used during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, there have been reports of foetal hypotension, renal failure, hyperkalaemia, skull hypoplasia and death. It is not known whether exposure limited to the first trimester can adversely affect foetal outcome.
Oligohydramnios has been reported, presumably resulting from decreased foetal renal function; oligohydramnios has been associated with foetal limb contractures, craniofacial deformities, hypoplastic lung development and intra-uterine growth retardation. Prematurity and patent ductus arterious have been reported, however, it is not clear whether these events were due to ACE inhibitor exposure.
Infants exposed in utero to ACE inhibitors should be closely observed for hypotension, oliguria, and hyperkalaemia. If such complications arise, appropriate medical treatment should be initiated to support blood pressure and renal perfusion. Lisinopril has been removed from the neonatal circulation by peritoneal dialysis with some clinical benefit and theoretically may be removed by exchange transfusion.
Australian Categorisation Definition of Category D : Drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause, an increased incidence of human foetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

Use in lactation.

Milk of lactating rats contains radioactivity following administration of 14C lisinopril. It is not known whether this drug is secreted in human milk. Because the possibility exists that lisinopril may be secreted in human milk, lisinopril should not be given to a nursing mother.

Paediatric use.

Safety and effectiveness of lisinopril in children have not been established.

Effect on ability to drive and use machines.

When driving vehicles or operating machines, patients may experience dizziness or tiredness.

Information for patients.

Angioedema.

Angioedema, including laryngeal oedema, may occur at any time during treatment with lisinopril. While this condition is rare, patients should be so advised and told to report immediately any signs or symptoms suggesting angioedema (swelling of face, extremities, eyes, lips, tongue, difficulty in swallowing or breathing) and to take no more drug until they have consulted with the prescribing physician.

Symptomatic hypotension.

Patients should be cautioned to report light-headedness especially during the first few days of therapy. If actual syncope occurs, the patients should be told to discontinue the drug until they have consulted with the prescribing physician.
All patients should be cautioned that excessive perspiration and dehydration may lead to an excessive fall in blood pressure because of reduction in fluid volume. Other causes of volume depletion such as vomiting or diarrhoea may also lead to a fall in blood pressure; patients should be advised to consult with their physician.

Hyperkalaemia.

Patients should be told not to use salt substitutes containing potassium without consulting their physician.

Neutropenia.

Patients should be told to report promptly any indication of infection (e.g. sore throat, fever), which may be a sign of neutropenia.

Note.

As with many other drugs, certain advice to patients being treated with lisinopril is warranted. This information is intended to aid in the safe and effective use of this medication. It is not a disclosure of all possible adverse or intended effects.

Interactions

Diuretics.

When a diuretic is added to the therapy of a patient receiving an ACE inhibitor, the antihypertensive effect is usually additive. Patients receiving diuretics, especially those in whom diuretic therapy was recently instituted or in those with intravascular volume depletion, may sometimes experience an excessive reduction of blood pressure after initiation of therapy with an ACE inhibitor. The possibility of hypotensive effects may be minimised by discontinuing the diuretic and ensuring adequate hydration and salt intake prior to commencing ACE inhibitor therapy. If it is not possible to discontinue the diuretic, the starting dose of the ACE inhibitor should be reduced and the patient closely observed for several hours following the initial dose of the ACE inhibitor and until the blood pressure has stabilised.

Lithium.

Increased serum lithium levels and symptoms of lithium toxicity have been reported in patients receiving lithium concomitantly with drugs which cause elimination of sodium, including ACE inhibitors. These drugs should be co-administered with caution, and frequent monitoring of serum lithium levels is recommended. If a diuretic is also used, the risk of lithium toxicity may be increased.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Drugs with prostaglandin synthetase inhibitory properties (e.g. indomethacin) may diminish the antihypertensive efficacy of concomitantly administered ACE inhibitors.
In some patients with compromised renal function who are being treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the co-administration of lisinopril may result in a further deterioration in renal function.

Agents causing renin release.

The antihypertensive effect of lisinopril is augmented by antihypertensive agents that cause renin release (e.g. diuretics).

Agents affecting sympathetic activity.

Agents affecting sympathetic activity (e.g. ganglionic blocking agents or adrenergic neurone blocking agents) may be used with caution. Beta-adrenergic blocking drugs are also antihypertensive in action, hence if they are combined with an ACE inhibitor, the patient should be closely monitored.

Serum potassium.

ACE inhibitors can attenuate potassium loss caused by thiazide diuretics and increase serum potassium when used alone. The concomitant therapy of an ACE inhibitor with a potassium-sparing diuretic (e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride), potassium supplement, or potassium-containing salt substitute can increase the risk of hyperkalaemia, therefore if co-administration is indicated they should be used with caution and the patient's serum potassium should be monitored frequently.

Other antihypertensive agents.

When combined with other antihypertensive agents, additive falls in blood pressure may occur.

Antidiabetics.

Epidemiological studies have suggested that concomitant administration of ACE inhibitors and antidiabetic medicines (such as insulins, oral hypoglycaemic agents) may cause increased blood glucose lowering effect with the risk of hypoglycaemia. This phenomenon appeared to be more likely to occur during the first weeks of combined treatment and in patients with renal impairment.

Gold.

Nitritoid reactions (Symptoms of vasodilation including flushing, nausea, dizziness and hypotension, which can be very severe) following injectable gold (for example, sodium aurothiomalate) have been reported more frequently in patients receiving ACE inhibitor therapy.

Adverse Effects

Lisinopril has been found to be generally well tolerated in controlled clinical trials. For the most part, adverse experiences were mild and transient in nature. In patients with congestive heart failure high doses of lisinopril may predispose to symptoms related to hypotension (dizziness, syncope) and to biochemical changes related to impaired renal function (hyperkalaemia and increased serum creatinine) as would be expected with ACE inhibitor therapy.
The adverse events which occurred in controlled clinical trials with lisinopril are taken from the case reports of 3702 patients (2633 patients with hypertension, 636 patients with congestive heart failure and 433 diabetes patients) and may be grouped as follows:

Hypertension.

(2633 patients). See Table 1.

Congestive heart failure.

(636 patients).
The most common adverse reaction occurring in this patient population was dizziness (14.2%). The other adverse reactions were (see Table 2):

Renal and retinal complications of diabetes mellitus.

(433 patients).
Adverse events from 2 clinical trials in diabetic patients (433 patients receiving lisinopril) are as follows (see Table 3):
The adverse events from each trial that were reported by < 1% of the patients are not included.

Hypersensitivity/angioneurotic oedema.

Angioneurotic oedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx has been reported rarely (see Precautions). In very rare cases, intestinal angioedema has been reported.
Additional adverse reactions which occurred rarely, either during controlled clinical trials or after the drug was marketed, include:

Cardiovascular.

Myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident; possibly secondary to excessive hypotension in high risk patients (see Precautions); tachycardia.

Digestive system.

Abdominal pain; dry mouth; hepatitis (hepatocellular and cholestatic) very rarely this may progress to hepatic failure; jaundice; pancreatitis; taste disturbance.

Musculoskeletal system.

Joint pain.

Nervous system.

Mood alterations; mental confusion; stroke; sleep disturbances.

Respiratory system.

Bronchitis; bronchospasm; nasal congestion; pharyngeal pain; sinusitis; rhinitis.

Skin.

Alopecia; urticaria; diaphoresis; psoriasis and severe skin disorders have been reported, including pemphigus, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and erythema multiforme.

Urogenital system.

Uraemia; oliguria/anuria; proteinuria; renal dysfunction; acute renal failure; impotence; urinary tract infection.

Body as a whole.

Syncope.
A symptom complex has been reported which may include fever, vasculitis, myalgia, arthralgia/arthritis, a positive ANA, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, eosinophilia and leukocytosis. Rash, photosensitivity, or other dermatologic manifestations may occur.

Clinical laboratory test findings.

Serum electrolytes.

Hyperkalaemia (see Precautions) and hyponatraemia have occurred.

Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen.

Minor increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, reversible upon discontinuation of therapy, were observed in 1.1 and 1.6% of patients respectively with essential hypertension treated with lisinopril alone. Increases were more common in patients receiving concomitant diuretics and in patients with renal artery stenosis (see Precautions).
Reversible minor increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were observed in approximately 12.0% of patients with congestive heart failure on concomitant diuretic therapy. Frequently, these abnormalities resolved when the dosage of the diuretic was decreased.

Bone marrow depression.

Bone marrow depression, manifest as anaemia, and/or thrombocytopenia and/or leucopenia has been reported. Agranulocytosis has been rarely reported, although a causal relationship has not been established. Rarely, haemolytic anaemia has been reported.

Haemoglobin and haematocrit.

Small decreases in haemoglobin and haematocrit, rarely of clinical importance unless another cause of anaemia co-existed, have occurred.

Other (causal relationship unknown).

Rarely, elevations of liver enzymes and/or serum bilirubin have occurred. Rare cases of bone marrow depression have been reported. Thrombocytopenia and leucopenia have been reported; a causal relationship to therapy with lisinopril cannot be excluded.

Dosage and Administration

Since there is no clinically significant effect of food on the absorption of lisinopril, the tablets may be administered before, during or after meals. Lisinopril should be administered in a single daily dose.

Essential hypertension.

In patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension not on diuretic therapy, the usual recommended starting dose is 5 to 10 mg. The usual maintenance dosage is 10 to 20 mg/day administered in a single daily dosage. Dosage should be adjusted at 2 to 4 week intervals according to blood pressure response. In some patients doses up to 40 mg/day may be required. If blood pressure is not controlled with lisinopril, a low dose of a diuretic may be added. Hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg) has been shown to provide an additive effect. After addition of a diuretic, the dose of lisinopril may be reduced.

Diuretic-treated or severely salt/volume depleted patients.

Symptomatic hypotension following the initial dose of lisinopril may occur occasionally in patients receiving concomitant diuretics. The diuretic should be discontinued if possible, for 2 to 3 days before beginning therapy with lisinopril (see Precautions). In hypertensive patients in whom the diuretic cannot be discontinued, the initial dose of lisinopril should be 2.5 mg, followed then by 5 mg. The subsequent dosage of lisinopril should be adjusted according to blood pressure response. If required, diuretic therapy may be resumed gradually.

Dosage adjustment in renal impairment.

The usual dose of lisinopril is recommended for patients with a creatinine clearance > 30 mL/min.
Dosage in patients with renal impairment should be based on creatinine clearance as outlined in Table 4:
Dosage and/or frequency of administration should be adjusted depending on the blood pressure response.
The dosage may be titrated upward until blood pressure is controlled or to a maximum of 20 mg daily.

Dosage in the elderly.

In general, blood pressure response and adverse experiences were similar in younger and older patients given similar doses of lisinopril. Pharmacokinetic studies, however, indicate that maximum blood levels and area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) are doubled in older patients so that dosage adjustments should be made with particular caution.

Congestive heart cardiac failure.

Note.

Treatment of heart failure with lisinopril should be initiated under close medical supervision. In patients not adequately controlled by diuretics (and digitalis, where indicated), lisinopril may be added with a starting dose of 2.5 mg once a day. Dose adjustment should be increased:
by increments of no greater than 10 mg;
at intervals of no less than 2 weeks.
The usual dosage is 5-20 mg/day administered as a single dose. The dose of lisinopril should not be titrated according to symptoms, as higher doses may not give additional symptomatic relief. The optimal upper dose has not been determined; 35 mg/day has been shown to be more effective than 5 mg/day but there is no evidence regarding the effectiveness of intermediate doses.
Patients at a high risk of symptomatic hypotension, e.g. patients with salt depletion with or without hyponatraemia, patients with hypovolaemia or patients who have been receiving vigorous diuretic therapy, should have these conditions corrected, if possible, prior to therapy with lisinopril. The effect of the starting dosage of lisinopril on blood pressure should be monitored carefully.

Acute myocardial infarction.

Treatment with lisinopril may be started within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. The first dose of lisinopril is 5 mg given orally, followed by 5 mg after 24 hours, 10 mg after 48 hours and then 10 mg once daily thereafter. Patients with a low systolic blood pressure (120 mmHg or less) when treatment is started or during the first 3 days after the infarct should be given a lower dose - 2.5 mg orally (see Precautions). If hypotension occurs (systolic blood pressure less than or equal to 100 mmHg) a daily maintenance dose of 5 mg may be given with temporary reductions to 2.5 mg if needed. If prolonged hypotension occurs (systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg for more than 1 hour) lisinopril should be withdrawn.
Dosing should continue for 6 weeks. Patients who develop symptoms of heart failure should continue with lisinopril (see Dosage and Administration, Congestive heart cardiac failure).
Patients should receive, as appropriate, the standard recommended treatments such as thrombolytics, aspirin and a beta-blocker.
Lisinopril is compatible with intravenous or transdermal glyceryl trinitrate.

Overdosage

There are no data on overdosage in humans. The most likely manifestation of overdosage would be hypotension, for which the usual treatment would be intravenous infusion of normal saline solution. Lisinopril may be removed from the general circulation by haemodialysis.
Contact the Poison Information Centre on 131 126 (Australia) for advice on the management of overdosage.

Presentation

Lisinopril Ranbaxy 5 mg tablets.

Round, light yellow tablets, marked with a "5" on one side and scored on the other, available in blister packs of 30 tablets.

Lisinopril Ranbaxy 10 mg tablets.

Round, light yellow tablets , marked with a "10" on one side and scored on the other; available in blister packs of 30 tablets.

Lisinopril Ranbaxy 20 mg tablets.

Round, light peach tablets, marked with a "20" on one side and scored on the other; available in blister packs of 30 tablets.

Storage

Store below 25°C.

Poison Schedule

S4.