Lisinopril

Lisinopril is an oral angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor that lowers blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart. It is used for hypertension, heart failure, and some kidney conditions.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme: An enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II and breaks down bradykinin. Lisinopril blocks this enzyme, limiting angiotensin II formation and bradykinin breakdown.
Hypertension: Persistently elevated pressure in the arteries that increases risks of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Lisinopril is commonly prescribed to lower arterial pressure in this condition.
Angiotensin II receptor blocker: A drug that blocks angiotensin II receptors rather than inhibiting the enzyme that produces the hormone. ARBs target the same hormonal pathway and are often considered when ACE-inhibitor cough is intolerable.
Pharmacokinetics: The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. Lisinopril’s oral absorption and renal elimination shape its dosing and accumulation risks.
Renin–angiotensin system: A hormone system that regulates blood pressure, blood volume, and sodium balance. Lisinopril alters this system’s signaling to reduce vascular constriction and fluid retention.
Heart failure: A clinical syndrome in which the heart cannot supply blood adequately without elevated filling pressures. Lisinopril can reduce cardiac workload and improve outcomes in selected patients.
Amlodipine: A calcium-channel blocker that relaxes arterial smooth muscle and lowers blood pressure. It treats hypertension through a different mechanism and does not typically cause ACE-inhibitor cough.
Creatinine: A waste product measured in blood to help assess kidney filtration. Changes in creatinine after starting lisinopril help assess renal response and safety.
Angiotensin II: A peptide hormone that constricts blood vessels and stimulates aldosterone release. Lisinopril reduces its production, weakening two major blood-pressure-raising effects.
Diabetic nephropathy: Kidney damage caused by diabetes, often marked by albumin in the urine and declining filtration. Lisinopril can reduce albuminuria and slow kidney damage in appropriate patients.

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CaptoprilCompared with: It shares captopril's target but generally requires less frequent dosing.