Food To Avoid On Lisinopril
You should always know the food to avoid when taking Lisinopril as there are some foods that can cause adverse reaction when coupled with the medication. Usually, when people are put on Lisinopril, they should avoid taking potassium and potassium supplements as it could lead to hyperkalemia is some people. It has been seen that some of the people developed hyperkalemia while taking Lisinopril when they were using salt substitutes with high content of potassium. (See Reference 1)
Lisinopril is prescribed for patients suffering from elevated blood pressure, congestive heart failure or for improving the rate of survival amongst patients who have had a heart attack. This drug is part of the ACE inhibitor class of medications. (See Reference 3)
Hyperkalemia is a common problem with ACE inhibitor class of drugs. These drugs tend suppress the rennin aldosterone angiotensi system in the body and this gives rise to hyperkalemia, or high levels of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia can result in slow rate of the pulse, arrhythmia, weakness, nausea, paralysis and problems in breathing. It can also result in a cardiac arrest. (See Reference 2)
When a person is taking Lisinopril, it is best to avoid diet that contains high or moderate levels of potassium. The person should pay close attention to salt substitutes as they often contain potassium. (See Reference 1) Even fruits and vegetables that contain potassium should be removed from the diet as they can result in elevated levels of potassium in the blood. (See Reference 2)
Usually, when a person is prescribed Lisinopril, it is advised that he or she consult the doctor about the foods to avoid during the treatment. In addition, the person should also get the right information on how and when to take the medication. Generally, Lisinopril is taken along with a glass of water and the medication can be taken during any time of the day as long as the same schedule is maintained everyday. The medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor. (See Reference 3)
People suffering from certain health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, suppressed function of the immune system, disease of the bone marrow, kidney disease, or previously being diagnosed as being allergic to ACE inhibitors, should first inform these facts to their doctor before starting the medication. (See Reference 3) Pregnant women are not advised to take Lisinopril as it can result in birth defects and abnormalities in the baby. As there is insufficient data on the passage of the drug via breast milk and the effect it can have on infants, nursing mothers should consult their doctors before taking Lisinopril. (See Reference 3)
Besides causing hyperkalemia, Lisinopril can also have other side effects, like reduction in the amount of urine; shortness of breath; fainting or feeling dizzy; fever; chills; tingling sensation in the extremities; rash; swelling of the tongue, face or lips; or palpitations. (See Reference 3) These side effects should immediately be brought to the notice of the doctor.
Along with avoiding foods that are high in potassium content, the person should also not consume diuretics and hawthorn. (See Reference 3) These 2 can tend to react with the Lisinopril and cause an adverse reaction in the person.
If you are really worried about the food to avoid on Lisinopril, it is best to speak to your doctor and get a detailed list of fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium content. Usually, the doctor will send you to a nutritionist, who will be able to guide you on the fruits and vegetables to avoid. In general, some of the foods that are high in potassium include tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato soup, tomato sauce, nuts, seeds, raisins, prunes, dried fruits, potatoes, legumes, soybeans, lentils, plantains, spinach, papaya, banana, milk, dairy products, Brussels sprouts, orange juice, broccoli, oranges, melons, squash and vegetables that have a deep yellow color. (See Reference 4) You can consult the doctor to figure out whether these foods along with salt substitutes and potassium supplements should be avoided when taking Lisinopril. If the doctor confirms, then take all the steps to ensure that none of these fruits, vegetables and diary products are part of your normal diet.
More Articles :
1. Drug.com: Lisinopril Food and Lifestyle Interactions
2. eHow: Dangers of High Potassium Levels in the Blood
3. Fine Generics: Lisinopril
4. About.com: Foods High In Potassium