*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

About Lisinopril

NHS medicines information on lisinopril - what it's used for and key facts.

Lisinopril is a medicine to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure.

It's also prescribed after a heart attack and helps prevent future strokes and heart attacks. It also improves your survival if you're taking it after a recent heart attack or for heart failure.

It works by widening your blood vessels and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

It can also be used for diabetic kidney disease, to slow down the disease.

Lisinopril is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets.

It also comes as a liquid for people who find it hard to swallow tablets.

Lisinopril is also available combined with another blood pressure medicine called hydrochlorothiazide. This is called by the brand names Zestoretic or Lisoretic.

Key facts

Lisinopril lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
Your very first dose of lisinopril may make you feel dizzy, so it's best to take it at bedtime. After the first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take lisinopril at any time of day. Try to take it at the same time every day.
Some people get a dry, tickly cough with lisinopril. If this happens your doctor might suggest you change to a different medicine.
If you get severe diarrhoea or vomiting from a stomach bug or illness, tell your doctor. You may need to stop taking lisinopril for a while until you feel better.
Drinking alcohol with lisinopril can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. It's best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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