Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Support Group

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a progressive, genetic disorder of the kidneys. It occurs in humans and other organisms. PKD is characterised by the presence of multiple cysts (polycystic) in both kidneys. The disease can also damage the liver, pancreas and rarely the heart and brain.

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puppy81 02/05/2015

I am 34 and have normal kidney function. My blood pressure is usually on the low side 100-60 or 110-70. I recently started with a new nephrologist for annual checkup, he suggested that I start with a very low dose of Lisinopril (5 mg twice a day). I read about this type of drug (ACE inhibitor) and that it controls blood pressure in ADPKD patients. However since I have never had high blood pressure, I am trying to understand if this drug is still useful. Any thoughts?? Also is this a common drug suggested by nephrologists for PKD?

Thanks

KelleyPaterson 02/06/2015

I have been prescribed lisinopril in the past. Perhaps your doctor is prescribing it because it can 'protect' your kidneys.

VAPKD 02/06/2015

I'm doubtful that lisinopril protects the kidneys at all. The HALT PKD study didn't really seem to prove anything.

puppy81 02/07/2015

Thanks for the replies. Yes he said it helps control pressure for the kidneys to protect it. I am still trying to get more information before I start the meds.

norma67 02/08/2015

My nephews kidney doc recommended the same thing for him, unfortunately it was not effective, he eventually developed high blood pressure and PKD. Everyone was waiting with baited breath, especially the ones involved in the HALT study. It was a huge disappointment to the people involved, it did nothing!! Years wasted! Good luck honey!

Chewitt 02/09/2015

Hi puppy81,

Your blood pressure is very good at the moment. I don't see how taking Lisinopril would be a good thing. Your BP might drop too low and cause you problems. The drug itself doesn't protect the kidneys: it's keeping BP that helps with that. I was prescribed Lisinopril when my BP finally needed some help and I had unacceptable side effects - terrible abdominal pain. I switched to the lowest does of Losartan and this is working well. If I were you, I would not take this doctor's advice.

Chewitt

shirleymac 02/11/2015

High BP is usually the problem with PKD. My doctor had me on Altace and told me when she prescribed it that it would protect my kidneys. But it wasn't enough so they put me on Metaprolol (sp) as well. After my husband died my blood pressure went down too low so they took me off the Altace. My neph said it was hard on my kidneys. Maybe it was because my function had gone down so much and I was having dizzy spells. He put me on a small dose of Norvasc instead. Now they increased my Norvasc and I finally have evened out to a good pressure. I also found out that the Metaprolol makes me sleepy so I take it at night and the Norvasc in the morning. My energy is still low but better than it was.

Karen-Hughes-Hanscom 03/14/2015

I have pkd and on this liprosil med 40 mg and I think its more like dr trying control bp.you go into kidney failure quicker.I am in 3rd stage and painfull kidney and liver cysts.good luck

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