Ace Inhibitor Medication Request

You may be advised to start an 'ACE inhibitor' (or ARB) medication if either your blood pressure is raised or if your kidneys are leaking protein (raised ACR level).

Before starting this medication you will need a kidney blood test done and also again after you are on a stable dose. It is advisable to have your own home blood pressure meter so that you can adjust the dose to keep your blood pressure below your target level (usually under 140/80). Blood pressure should not go too low so that you feel dizzy and not be lower than around 110/70.

If you are starting lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor) then the initial dose is 2.5mg increasing weekly until you get to target blood pressure or 10mg. For ramipril the dose is 1.25mg increasing weekly by 2.5mg until to target or 10mg.

The specific drug may be different to the above and will be advised along with the dose range and blood pressure target.

Once you have reached your target blood pressure you need to book a C&E blood test and send in an average of your blood pressure readings as well as your current dose. If your repeat blood test is satisfactory then your medication will be put on repeat for you to continue ordering. If not getting to target then contact the clinical pharmacist at the practice.

The main side effect of lisinopril is a dry cough and if this is more than very minor you should discuss this with the clinical pharmacist so an alternative (usually losartan 'ARB') can be tried instead.

You can read further information about lisinopril and losartan below:

• Lisinopril: medicine to treat high blood pressure
• Losartan: a medicine to treat high blood pressure