From the Guidelines
Lisinopril is not typically associated with weight gain as a side effect. This blood pressure medication, which belongs to the class of drugs called ACE inhibitors, does not directly affect metabolism or appetite in ways that would promote weight gain. In fact, some studies suggest that ACE inhibitors like lisinopril may have a neutral or even slightly favorable effect on weight compared to other antihypertensive medications such as beta-blockers, as noted in a study published in Gastroenterology 1.
The common side effects of lisinopril include dry cough, dizziness, headache, fatigue, and in some cases, a decrease in kidney function or elevated potassium levels. If you're concerned about medication-related weight changes while taking lisinopril for hypertension, you can be reassured that this is generally not an issue with this particular medication. However, if you notice unexpected weight changes while taking lisinopril, it's essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider as it may be related to other factors such as fluid retention, which could indicate a need to adjust your treatment.
Key points to consider:
- ACE inhibitors like lisinopril are considered weight-neutral, meaning they do not typically cause weight gain as a side effect 1.
- Other antihypertensive medications, such as beta-blockers, can promote weight gain and have adverse effects on lipid metabolism and glucose tolerance 1.
- The choice of antihypertensive medication should be guided by the individual patient's circumstances, including their risk factors for cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities 1.
- Regular monitoring of weight and other health parameters is essential for patients taking antihypertensive medications, including lisinopril, to ensure optimal management of their condition.
It's also worth noting that the most recent guidelines, such as the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure, provide recommendations for the use of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, but do not mention weight gain as a concern 1.
From the Research
Side Effects of Lisinopril
- The provided studies do not directly address the question of whether lisinopril causes weight gain as a side effect 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Common side effects reported in the studies include dizziness, headache, hypotension, diarrhea, cough, rash, and proteinuria 3, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the efficacy and safety of lisinopril in treating hypertension and congestive heart failure, rather than its potential effects on weight 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Efficacy and Safety of Lisinopril
- Lisinopril is effective in lowering blood pressure and improving symptoms in patients with hypertension and congestive heart failure 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The drug is generally well tolerated, with few serious adverse effects reported 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- High doses of lisinopril may be associated with a higher incidence of adverse events, such as hypotension and worsening renal function, but these events are generally manageable 5.