What is Lisinopril? Uses, warnings & side effects
Lisinopril is a generic prescription drug used to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. Doctors may also use it to treat heart failure or in the weeks following a heart attack. As an ACE inhibitor, lisinopril has relatively few side effects. However, it isn’t completely safe for everyone, particularly pregnant women or people who have experienced certain types of swelling.
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Lisinopril overview
BRAND NAMES:
Zestril, Qbrelis
Generic Names:
Lisinopril
Uses:
Treats high blood pressure and heart failure. Also given to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack.
Therapeutic Classes:
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor), antihypertensive, cardiovascular agent, renal protective agent
Forms:
Tablet, oral solution (liquid)
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Lisinopril used for?
Lisinopril lowers blood pressure in adults and children diagnosed with hypertension. Additionally, it treats systolic heart failure, a type of heart failure characterized by a weakening of the heart chamber that sends blood out to the body. Daily lisinopril doses can also help reduce the risk of death in the weeks following a heart attack.
Key takeaways
Lisinopril is an oral ACE inhibitor medication prescribed for hypertension, to protect the kidneys in people with diabetes, and to help decrease the death rate after a heart attack.
Lisinopril is a medication that helps lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
It is commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, and to protect the kidneys in people with diabetes.
Lisinopril is usually taken once a day by mouth, with or without food.
Some common side effects include dizziness, cough, and feeling tired.
It’s important to drink enough water, but avoid too much potassium while taking lisinopril.
What form(s) does Lisinopril come in?
Tablet
2.5 mg
5 mg
10 mg
20 mg
30 mg
40 mg
Oral solution (liquid)
1 mg/mL
What are common Lisinopril dosages?
For high blood pressure in adults: 10–40 mg taken by mouth once per day
For high blood pressure in children 6 years of age and older: 0.07–0.61 mg/kg taken by mouth once per day
For heart failure in adults: 5–40 mg taken by mouth once per day
For heart attack in adults: 10 mg taken by mouth once per day for at least 6 weeks
Lisinopril images - What does Lisinopril look like?
Lisinopril
10mg tabletLisinopril
2.5mg tabletLisinopril
20mg tabletLisinopril
30mg tabletLisinopril
40mg tabletLisinopril
5mg tablet
How to take Lisinopril
Take this medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Lisinopril can be taken with or without food.
How to take lisinopril tablets
Swallow the lisinopril tablets with a drink of water.
Store lisinopril tablets at room temperature protected from moisture, freezing, and heat.
How to take lisinopril oral solution
Measure each dose using the calibrated oral syringe or medicine cup. Do not use kitchen or table utensils.
Store lisinopril oral solution at room temperature, protected from freezing and heat.
What to do if you miss a dose of Lisinopril
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Lisinopril contraindications - Who shouldn't take Lisinopril?
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to lisinopril.
Lisinopril should not be taken by people who were born with a condition that causes head and neck swelling (hereditary angioedema).
Lisinopril should also not be taken by people who have a history of head and neck swelling (angioedema) that has no known cause.
If you have diabetes, do not use this medicine together with the blood pressure medication Tekturna (aliskiren).
Lisinopril warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or plan to get pregnant.
Tell any healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or if you have:
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Diabetes
Heart or blood vessel disease.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Angioedema (severe swelling of the head and neck or the intestines)
Kidney problems
Liver problems and liver failure
High potassium
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated, salt-depleted, or taking other blood pressure medications or drugs that make you pee (diuretics). Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Do not stop using this medicine without asking your healthcare provider, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but will help keep it in a normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Lisinopril interactions & what to avoid when taking Lisinopril
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are using before taking lisinopril.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Some drugs may affect how lisinopril works, or the combination may increase the risk of side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you are using any of the following:
Other blood pressure medications, especially angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), ACE inhibitors, aliskiren, or sacubitril
Drugs that make you pee (diuretics), particularly diuretics that help the body retain potassium, such as spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Immune suppressing drugs that end in –limus, such as tacrolimus, everolimus, and sirolimus
Diabetes drugs called sulfonylureas
Insulin
Lithium, a drug that treats bipolar disorder
Ask your healthcare provider before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
Find out more about lisinopril interactions to avoid here.
Lisinopril side effects - How does Lisinopril make you feel?
Serious side effects
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
Severe stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting)
Fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, or other symptoms of an infection
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Lisinopril can cause serious side effects that may not have symptoms, including:
Injury or death of an unborn baby
High potassium
Less serious side effects
Low blood pressure
Headache
Dizziness
Sources:
Qbrelis lisinopril solution prescribing information, DailyMed, NIH National Library of Medicine
Zestril lisinopril tablet prescribing information, DailyMed, NIH National Library of Medicine
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