ACE inhibitors such as Prinivil are more likely than other drugs to cause allergic reactions. For example, there have been reports of severe allergic reactions occurring in people on Prinivil during dialysis. There have also been reports of severe reactions in people getting bee or wasp venom to protect against stings. Discuss these risks with your healthcare provider and seek emergency medical attention if you notice:
Hives
An unexplained rash
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the face or throat.
ACE inhibitors may cause swelling (angioedema) of the head and neck, including the tongue, lips, eyes, or throat. This occurs more frequently in African Americans. Seek emergency medical care if you notice swelling in the head or neck area or if you have wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swallowing.
In addition to head and neck angioedema, ACE inhibitors have been known to cause swelling in the intestines. This is known as intestinal angioedema. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, abdominal pain (or stomach pain), with or without vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.
Prinivil may cause extreme low blood pressure in some people. This is more likely to happen in people who are taking a diuretic, who are on dialysis, who have diarrhea or vomiting, or who sweat a lot. This is why it is important to drink fluids regularly while taking Prinivil. If you have any possible symptoms of extreme low blood pressure, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, contact your healthcare provider and stop taking the medicine.
Make sure not to drive, operate any heavy machinery, or perform any other tasks that require alertness before you know how Prinivil affects you.
People on Prinivil can be at increased risk of infections. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any infections, such as a sore throat or fever.
Prinivil is a pregnancy Category C medicine for the first trimester and a pregnancy Category D medicine for the second and third trimesters, meaning that Prinivil can present health risks to your unborn child. Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking the drug (see Lisinopril and Pregnancy).
ACE inhibitors, including Prinivil, are known to cause a cough. If the cough becomes bothersome, talk to your healthcare provider about alternate options for your condition (see Lisinopril Cough).
While taking Prinivil, do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes with potassium unless you have discussed this with your healthcare provider. In some people taking Prinivil, potassium in the blood can increase to dangerous levels.
ACE inhibitors, including Prinivil, have been known to cause a decrease in kidney function, especially in certain groups, such as those with severe congestive heart failure. Let your healthcare provider know if you have symptoms such as a decrease in urine output, drowsiness, headache, or back pain. Your healthcare provider will also regularly check your kidney function with a simple blood test.
If you have kidney disease or kidney failure, your body may metabolize the Prinivil differently than intended. Therefore, your healthcare provider will likely monitor your situation more closely.
In clinical studies, ACE inhibitors, including Prinivil, have rarely been known to cause liver failure. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice:
If you have diabetes, you should closely monitor your blood sugars, as Prinivil may cause a drop in blood sugars. This is more common during the first month of treatment.
It is not known whether Prinivil passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are taking Prinivil and nursing, ask your healthcare provider whether you should stop Prinivil or stop breastfeeding.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print