How to switch from Losartan to Lisinopril?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
How to switch from Losartan to Lisinopril?
The best way to switch from Losartan to Lisinopril is to simply take Losartan instead of Lisinopril when it’s time to take your med and continue taking it.
Both Losartan and Lisinopril are antihypertensive medications which are used to decrease your blood pressure and normalise your heart rate (1,2). Lisinopril belongs to the class of ACE Inhibitors, whereas Losartan is an Angiotensin enzyme blocker (1,2).
However, if the reason why you’re switching your antihypertensive is therapeutic insufficiency, you need to first make sure you can somehow make the current antihypertensive work.
In some cases, the dose of the drug is not sufficient enough to produce a noticeable therapeutic change. This problem can easily be solved by dose escalation, for which you can talk to your healthcare provider.
However, if it fails to deliver the desired therapeutic response even after increasing the dose, that’s when you can go for another antihypertensive medication, according to your doctor’s directions.
Just make sure you don’t make such a decision on your own and talk to your doctor if your current med doesn’t work or causes intolerable side effects. You can split Losartan if your doctor recommends taking a lower dose before stopping it altogether.
What are the common causes of Losartan discontinuation?
There are several reasons why a healthcare provider might consider discontinuing Losartan for a patient. These include (1):
Ineffectiveness
Sometimes, Losartan may not adequately control a person’s blood pressure or heart condition. In such cases, the healthcare provider might discontinue the medication and explore alternative treatment options that may be more effective for the individual.
Side effects
While Losartan is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, or upset stomach. If these side effects become bothersome or severe, the healthcare provider may consider discontinuing the medication (1).
Allergic reactions
In rare cases, a person may develop an allergic reaction to Losartan, which could manifest as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If an allergic reaction occurs, the healthcare provider will discontinue Losartan immediately and recommend an alternative medication.
Pregnancy
Losartan is not recommended during pregnancy as it can harm the developing fetus. If a woman becomes pregnant or plans to become pregnant, the healthcare provider will discontinue Losartan and discuss safer options.
Kidney problems
Losartan is processed by the kidneys, and if a person has severe kidney impairment or experiences a decline in kidney function while taking the medication, the healthcare provider may discontinue it to protect the kidneys.
Drug interactions
Losartan may interact with other medications a person is taking, potentially leading to adverse effects. If there are significant drug interactions, the healthcare provider may stop Losartan and prescribe a different medication that is compatible with the other drugs.
Medical conditions
Sometimes, changes in a person’s medical condition may necessitate a change in medication. For example, if a person’s heart condition improves or worsens, the healthcare provider may adjust the treatment plan, including discontinuing Losartan if necessary.
How can Lisinopril be helpful for a patient who can’t do well on Losartan?
If a patient is not responding well to Losartan or experiences side effects that make it difficult to continue, Lisinopril can be a helpful alternative medication for managing high blood pressure or certain heart conditions.
Unlike Losartan, Lisinopril doesn’t act on angiotensin receptors but instead inhibits an enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor (2).
For patients who can’t tolerate Losartan’s side effects or find it less effective, Lisinopril may provide better symptom relief without causing the same issues. Your doctor may start Lisinopril from a low dose to see how your body reacts to it. The medication can be cut in half to take half a dose.
However, it’s essential to remember that medication response can vary from person to person, and what works well for one individual may not be the best choice for another.
Ultimately, the decision to switch from Losartan to Lisinopril or any other medication should be made by a qualified healthcare provider after considering the patient’s medical history, overall health, and individual response to treatment.
Final words
To sum up, one can switch from Losartan to Lisinipril successfully under a doctor’s supervision. Just make sure you don’t stop using Losartan abruptly, as it can exacerbate your health condition.
It’s recommended to discuss switching your medication with your doctor and not make any changes to your prescription on your own.
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References
1.-
Mulla S, Siddiqui WJ. Losartan. 2022 Jul 18. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30252321. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526065
2.-
Olvera Lopez E, Parmar M, Pendela VS, Terrell JM. Lisinopril. 2023 Jan 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489196. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482230
