Lisinopril is an oral drug prescribed for the treatment of heart-related medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attacks. In diabetic patients, it is recommended for minimizing the risk of eye and kidney problems. Based on ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor, it is a peptide derivative released in the 1990s for use in therapeutic intervention. In pharmacies, it is sold under the trade names, Tensopril, Prinivil, and Zestril. The absorption of lisinopril is very low, which is studied from the urine samples of patients who are currently on these prescription drugs. The average absorption rate is found to be approximately 25 percent. According to drug sensitivity and approach for administering it, lisinopril dosages vary from one patient to another. Nevertheless, its effectiveness in therapy is still debatable. This is mainly because of the probable side effects which are manifested in all types of ACE inhibitor based medications. Side Effects Oral lisinopril medications are available in dosages of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. For hypersensitive patients, the prescribed concentration is about 2.5 mg per day; while unresponsive people require a higher lisinopril dose of about 20 mg per day. A major concern that should not be neglected while taking this medicine is drug interaction. When taken with diuretics for high blood pressure and potassium supplements, it causes retention of potassium in the kidneys, resulting in high blood potassium levels or hyperkalemia. » Common Side Effects For patients of heart disease, it is usual to experience mild effects after taking lisinopril. Usually, they subside with time, after the body becomes adjusted to the medication. Such mild symptoms include rash, cough, stomach pain, chills, muscle pain, digestive problems, and tiredness. It may also lead to joint pain. » Weight Gain Weight gain is considered to be one of the common side effects manifested after administration of lisinopril, and similar hypertension medications for an extended period. Nevertheless, there is no medical data that correlates it with weight gain. In case of rapid gain of weight without apparent reason, the condition may be due to an underlying heart disorder. » Allergies Some individuals show hypersensitive immune responses after taking medicines based on ACE inhibitor. Medically referred to as angioedema, the symptoms include breathing problems, subcutaneous edema, and swelling of certain body parts including the face, throat, hands, feet, and ankles. In such a condition, one should stop taking the drug, and take immediate medical help. » Depression Mood swings and change in behavior are often associated with lisinopril formulations, particularly amongst elderly people. However, only one percent people complain of depression and anxiety after administration of the drug. Thus, it is believed that depression is a rare side effect. » Hair Loss Hair loss caused due to this drug is a rare case, occurring in less than one percent of the patients who are relying on this oral medicine. Needless to say, thinning of hair or hair loss is a common condition that can be resulted due to poor diet, dandruff, and other causes. To be more precise, there is no scientific report that proves whether lisinopril is the main reason behind hair loss or not. Speaking more about the side effects, it has the potential to cause irreversible and life-threatening complications in a developing fetus. Thus, it is not recommended for expecting mothers or those who are planning to get pregnant. Severe side effects of lisinopril occur rarely, some of which include hypotension, jaundice, fainting, and liver failure. If you suspect that health conditions are caused due to the drug, do not delay in getting them addressed by the concerned physician. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.