From the Research
A 5 mg dose of lisinopril typically reduces systolic blood pressure by 11-15% and diastolic blood pressure by 13-17% in hypertensive patients, as reported in the study by 1. This effect usually begins within 2 hours after taking the medication, with peak blood pressure reduction occurring after 6 hours. The full antihypertensive effect may take 2-3 days to develop completely, with little accumulation, as stated in the study by 1. Lisinopril works by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. This leads to decreased peripheral vascular resistance and reduced blood pressure. Some key points to consider when using lisinopril include:
- The blood pressure response varies between individuals based on factors such as age, race, severity of hypertension, and sodium intake.
- African American patients may experience a smaller blood pressure reduction compared to other populations.
- For optimal results, lisinopril should be taken at the same time each day, and blood pressure should be monitored regularly.
- If the 5 mg dose does not adequately control blood pressure after 2-4 weeks, the dose may need to be increased, typically to 10-40 mg daily, as suggested by the study by 2. It's also worth noting that the combination of lisinopril with other antihypertensive agents, such as amlodipine, can produce a significant additional blood pressure lowering effect, as reported in the study by 3. However, the most recent and highest quality study, 3, provides the most relevant information for clinical practice, and the expected decrease in blood pressure with a 5 mg dose of lisinopril is around 6-12 mmHg for systolic and 3-7 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure, as supported by the findings of this study.