Having a list of questions when you start blood pressure medications is completely okay. If you are a casual drinker, we understand your query regarding taking medications like lisinopril with alcohol. The answer to this depends on various factors like medical history, age, and concurrent medications. Let’s discuss the link between this specific drug used to lower blood pressure and alcohol consumption.
What Is Lisinopril?
Lisinopril falls under the category of medicines that are known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). They are quite popular and have proven efficacy in treating heart conditions and hypertension and supporting recovery post-heart attack.
The mechanism of action affects the body in a way that relaxes blood vessel muscles, resulting in lowered blood pressure. Other than that, it addresses kidney disease in individuals with diabetes, mitigating protein loss through the kidneys.
While lisinopril is quite reliable when adhering to guidelines, unfortunately, continuing to drink while taking lisinopril has risks.
Alcohol Aggravating the Side Effects of Lisinopril
Lisinopril, like any prescription drug, carries side effects such as dizziness, chills, rash, weakness, blurred vision, etc. One thing you must remember regarding the use of lisinopril is it is contraindicated for pregnant women due to potential risks to the unborn baby.
In rare instances, severe side effects may be forecasted, ranging from allergic reactions and severe stomach pain to chest pain and difficulty breathing. Those with diabetes, kidney, or liver disease must be cautious, as lisinopril can impact blood sugar and potassium levels.
In a nutshell, this combination – of lisinopril and alcohol intensifies these side effects and has the potential to turn into a life-threatening situation. Avoiding the two together is a must, even for those not experiencing adverse effects.
The Impact of Lisinopril and Alcohol on Blood Pressure Combined
Frequent binge drinking of alcohol tips the scale to elevated blood pressure. When it significantly heightens, lisinopril faces difficulties in effectively lowering it, which in turn makes it less potent. Moreover, alcohol dips blood pressure, and when both coexist in the system, blood pressure plummets dramatically, resulting in extreme dizziness or even fainting.
To some, extreme dizziness and fainting are not that big of a deal, but trust us, the combination of these effects under the influence of alcohol is unfavorable and could result in severe injury or, in extreme cases, death. Hence, exercising utmost caution regarding alcohol intake while using lisinopril is non-negotiable.
Managing the Condition
For many, the immediate and most apparent solution is as easy as limiting or abstaining from alcohol while on lisinopril. However, others may find this task pretty difficult. If you or someone you know needs to refrain from drinking while on lisinopril, seek professional assistance for addiction for favorable outcomes. Addiction specialists can determine the root cause of alcohol use, aiding people in adopting healthier coping mechanisms while continuing lisinopril safely.
Closing Note
All in all, the interaction between lisinopril and alcohol needs meticulous care. Your well-being depends on comprehending the risks associated with alcohol usage. If you have further questions, contact our cardiologist, Dr. M. Usman Khan, awarded fellowship status by the American College of Cardiology (ACP) at Epic Heart and Vascular Center at 17070 Red Oak Dr # 405, Houston, TX 77090. Call Houston at (832) 432-1951 or Willowbrook at (832) 952-1951 for help; we are here to assist you in all possible ways!