According to Van Amburgh, the medication's package insert shows hyponatremia as a potential adverse event associated with the drug, but there is no known incidence rate. Studies have reportedly indicated that patients taking 10–40 mg of lisinopril for varying periods of time (between six months and four years) showed some signs of hyponatremia and lower serum sodium levels.
In two of the cases, patients were reportedly given lisinopril a second time, and their serum sodium levels dropped once again. This led the researchers to conclude that the hyponatremia condition was likely a direct result of the medication, and not other factors, according to Van Amburgh.
Additionally, Van Amburgh went on to say that there were 17 cases of hyponatremia related to the use of ACE inhibitors published as of 2002, with five involving the drug captopril and nine involving enalapril.
Still, the author of the column writes that while it appears as though ACE therapy—including lisinopril—could lead to the development of hyponatremia even at the lowest doses, physicians need to consider other possible medical conditions that could be leading factors. Examples of these increased risk factors include patients with congestive heart failure and those on concomitant diuretic therapy, according to Van Amburgh.
READ MORE LISINOPRIL LEGAL NEWS
"Hyponatremia is recognized as a potential adverse effect of ACE inhibitor therapy, with grave consequences if left uncorrected. Both patients and providers should be aware of and monitor for the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia," she said.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, lisinopril is typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure, and can also be used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure.
Other side effects of the medication can potentially include dizziness, excessive tiredness, decrease in sexual ability, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, according to the NCBI. Overdose symptoms can often include fainting and lightheartedness as well.
READER COMMENTS
Brenda Y Darwin
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Dianne Zawacki
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Susan Boulay
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I am 60 yrs old. I have been taking Lisinopril for years and about 1 1/2 years ago I passed out, I had dizziness and confusion issues. I’m a pretty sharp person but After a fasting bloodwork, maybe 2 yrs ago I was referred to a kidney specialist. Suddenly I have low sodium. I am actually limited to the amount of water I consume. I’ve recently read about lisinopril and some frightening effects of this med. I believe I may have Hyponatremia. I want to know what I have to do to get someone to help those of us who’s medications cause medical conditions that are
Life-threatening. This is just sooo frightening
SHARON VILLIA
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Theresa P Bunn
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Mae davis
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hives, hoarseness, Blurr vision, stomach pain, tiredness, muscle cramp, itching then I had a reaction my top lip swollen when I woke up morning 3-2919. I have been telling my doctor all my symptoms for years. If there's any class-action I would like to join please call me334 540 xxxx
James Walker
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After 3 colonoscopies, 3 endoscopy, gallbladder radioactive test and a ultrasound, CT pelvic scans yet nothing found.
I have lived with it suffering fro 2:00am till about 6 am. Last week I was suffering and decided to review my med records. I discovered that back when this all started, I started lisinipril 2 weeks earlier. I have stopped taking the meds and I haven’t had any symptoms for 4 days. The last ten years have been hell. I am self employed and no matter how bad it’s been I get up take care of my family. No insurance has made getting med help hard to find. After going through my savings, I won’t be able to ever retire. I spent my life saving trying to fix me and survive, but it was the medicine that has caused all the pain. Sometimethe so called cure kills you.
Linda Pierce
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