Lisinopril (generic Zestril): Buying high blood pressure medicines online in the UK

Lisinopril is a tablet medicine belonging to ACE inhibitors class of pharmaceutical compounds. As such, it is commonly used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). As a generic version of somewhat better known branded Zestril, Lisinopril is based on the active ingredient of the same name and is manufactured by a number of different companies with Almus’ version being maybe the most dominant in the UK market. This simple to use medicine is available in the form of a tablet and is taken once per day.

What’s on this page?

Highly adept at lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of related health conditions, Zestril is commonly prescribed in the UK and has so far yielded highly positive results.

High blood pressure (hypertension): A short introduction

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a very common cardiovascular condition affecting roughly one in four people in the UK. While it is easily diagnosed when searched for, hypertension can only be confirmed following blood pressure measurement with a mercury-propelled and millimetre-marked gauge. The readings are usually given in millimetre per mercury units.

During this measurement, the operator of the device will get two numbers – first of them is called systolic pressure and it determines the pressure the blood exerts on the blood vessels when it is pumped from the heart during a bit. Second, called diastolic pressure, measures the blood pressure between heartbeats, thus providing the user with the number denoting the pressure blood itself exerts on the arteries. When reading the results, doctor will usually speak in the form of “systolic over diastolic pressure”. High blood pressure is diagnosed if two separate readings give the result of 140 over 90 or higher.

Do I have high blood pressure?

While hypertension can be easily diagnosed following the blood pressure measurements, many people will actually not even think of the problem being possibly related with the cardiovascular system. This is so because hypertension can be asymptomatic, and even when certain signs do manifest, they can be rather non-specific, involving things such as headache or nosebleeds.

However, people who are overweight, consumer large quantities of caffeine or alcohol, have a high-salt diet, smoke or are not physically active have a significantly higher risk of developing this condition. Finally, this condition is directly related to age, with people aged 65 and over being considered a very high-risk group.

If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to more serious health conditions and complications including:

• Heart disease
• Kidney failure
• Arterial problems
• Different conditions affecting cardiovascular system

Managing and treating hypertension

In milder cases, high blood pressure can be successfully managed with certain changes to harmful lifestyle habits. These can include curbing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, altering the diet and introducing some light exercise into a daily routine. These steps are usually recommended even in the more severe cases as a form of supplement to prescription medication.

Lisinopril in high blood pressure treatment

If lifestyle changes simply aren’t enough to reduce the symptoms of hypertension, then the doctor will recommend prescription medicines. Lisinopril might be prescribed in this scenario. This medicine belonging to the ACE inhibitors class of pharmaceutical compounds works by, as the name implies, inhibiting the function of ACE enzyme within the body. This enzyme plays a crucial role in transformation of a hormone called angiotensin into angiotensin II. This compound that is formed as the result of the mentioned transformation plays a crucial role in tightening and narrowing blood vessels. By blocking the conversion, Lisinopril will ease vessel tension and thus contribute to the lowering of blood pressure.

Can I buy Lisinopril online in the UK?

First of all, it is important to note that Lisinopril is a generic version of somewhat better known Zestril medicine and as such, it is produced and marketed by a number of different manufacturers. In order to ensure that you are buying the real medicine, you should only order it from a certified online clinic.

However, as Lisinopril is a prescription-only medicine, just like the original Zestril, you will still have to provide a valid prescription or obtain one. Luckily, most online clinics offer you the possibility of consulting with a doctor online through a live chat app or a customised medical questionnaire that will allow him to get insight into your medical profile and history.

If everything is in order and the doctor determines that you are suitable for Lisinopril, a prescription will be issued and used that same moment to send the medicine to the address you provided.

How is Lisinopril used?

Precisely adhering to the guidelines provided by your prescriber is absolutely essential in ensuring the best results with Lisinopril. This involves both optimising results of the treatment and minimising the risk of side effects. If there are any additional questions you might have, consult your doctor or refer to the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the medicine.

Here we will provide you with just some of the most general guidelines regarding Lisinopril treatment. However, this is not a comprehensive guide, but just an illustration aimed at providing you with the most general idea of what you should expect.

• Always take exactly as prescribed
• In most cases, the starting dose will be one 10mg tablet per day
• Doctor might increase the dose after a certain period
• The maximum daily dose is 80mg
• If you are starting Lisinopril treatment following heart attack, the doses will be different
• Take the tablet whole and with water
• It is recommended, but not necessary to take the tablet at the same time each day
• Never exceed the prescribed amount
• If you forget to take a dose, just skip it and carry on with the treatment as usual

What are Lisinopril side effects?

As all other prescription medicines, Lisinopril also comes with an array of possible side effects. Naturally, not everyone using this medicine will get affected, but it is still important to get familiar with different options so you can consult your doctor if needed.

When we take into consideration the frequency of occurrence of documented side effects, we can describe them in the following manner:

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of all documented side effects. For a more comprehensive insight, please refer to the official patient information leaflet.

Is it safe for me to use Lisinopril?

Of course, Lisinopril is not suitable for everybody. In some scenarios the doctor might even advice you against using this treatment. This might be the case if you are currently using some of the following medicines:

• Diuretics
• Potassium-sparing diuretics
• Anaesthetics
• Lithium
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Diabetic tablets
• Insulin
• Nitrates
• Muscle relaxants
• Antipsychotics

Alternatively, Lisinopril should not be used by people who are affected or have been recently affected by the following medical conditions:

• Dehydration due to sickness or diarrhoea
• Ischaemic heart disease
• Heart failure
• Narrowing of the opening of the aortic or mitral valve
• Enlarged heart
• Cardiogenic shock
• Compromised kidney function

Finally, Lisinopril should never be used during the later months of pregnancy or when breastfeeding.