Quick Facts

Lisinopril is a prescription ACE inhibitor that lowers blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels. It reduces the formation of angiotensin II and can help protect the heart, brain, and kidneys.

  • Active ingredient: lisinopril
  • Commonly treated conditions: high blood pressure, heart failure, recovery after heart attack, and kidney protection in diabetes
  • Available strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
  • Dosing frequency: usually once daily
  • Age: adults and children 6 years and older (dose is weight and kidney function dependent)

Need to jump ahead? See Uses, Dosage, Interactions, or Prices.

What Lisinopril Treats

Lisinopril is prescribed for:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children 6+ years
  • Heart failure, often along with diuretics and other heart medicines
  • After an acute myocardial infarction in clinically stable patients to improve survival
  • Kidney protection in diabetes by lowering intraglomerular pressure

By easing the workload on the heart and improving blood flow, lisinopril may help reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney complications.

How to Take It

The dose is individualized. Your clinician will consider your condition, other medications, and kidney function.

  • Hypertension (adults): typical start 10 mg once daily; 5 mg if also on a diuretic. Maintenance usually 10 to 40 mg daily. Max 80 mg/day.
  • Heart failure: start 2.5 to 5 mg once daily; titrate as tolerated, often 5 to 20 mg daily alongside diuretics and other agents.
  • Post heart attack: 5 mg initially, then 5 mg after 24 hours, 10 mg after 48 hours, then 10 mg daily as tolerated.
  • Pediatrics (6 to 16 years): dose is based on weight; your clinician will provide a precise plan.
  • Kidney impairment: lower starting doses and slower titration are recommended.

Take at the same time each day, with or without food. If you have questions about adjusting your dose when adding other drugs, see Interactions.

Safety and Monitoring

Careful follow-up improves outcomes and reduces risks. Regular checks may include:

  • Blood pressure and symptoms of low BP (dizziness, fainting)
  • Serum potassium and kidney function (creatinine, BUN)
  • Urine protein in patients with diabetes or kidney disease
  • Weight and signs of swelling or dehydration

During surgery or dental procedures, anesthetics can drop blood pressure further. Inform your care team that you take lisinopril.

Do Not Use If

  • You are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Lisinopril has a boxed warning for fetal toxicity.
  • You have a history of angioedema with an ACE inhibitor, or hereditary/idiopathic angioedema.
  • You are hypersensitive to lisinopril or any ACE inhibitor.

Caution is required in breastfeeding, severe kidney artery narrowing, very low blood pressure, or marked dehydration.

Possible Side Effects

Many people tolerate lisinopril well. Some effects are mild, while others need urgent care.

Common

  • Dry, persistent cough
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when starting therapy
  • Headache or fatigue
  • Low blood pressure
  • Diarrhea, nausea, or upset stomach

Serious - seek help promptly

  • Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing
  • High potassium: muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat
  • Kidney problems: reduced urine output, sudden weight gain, swelling
  • Fainting or severe dizziness
  • Severe skin reactions, jaundice, or unusual bruising

If you experience severe symptoms or signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency care and stop the medicine.

Interactions

Some drugs increase side effects or reduce the benefit of lisinopril. Discuss all medicines and supplements with your clinician.

  • Potassium-raising products: potassium supplements, salt substitutes with potassium, or potassium-sparing diuretics
  • Lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith): risk of lithium toxicity rises
  • Diuretics (water pills): may intensify low blood pressure when starting lisinopril
  • NSAIDs (for example ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, ketoprofen, etodolac): may reduce effect and impair kidneys
  • Insulin and oral diabetes medicines: blood sugar changes may occur; monitor closely
  • Gold salts for rheumatoid arthritis: rare flushing, low BP reaction

Alcohol can also lower blood pressure and increase dizziness. For help with adjusting doses when adding a diuretic, return to How to Take It.

Missed Dose

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one. Do not double up.

Overdose

Overdose can cause profound low blood pressure, fainting, or severe dizziness. Seek emergency medical attention immediately or call your local poison control center in the USA at 1-800-222-1222.

Storage

  • Keep at room temperature, protected from heat and moisture
  • Store in the original container with the lid tightly closed
  • Keep out of the reach of children and pets

Similar and Alternative Medicines

Depending on your response, side effects, or other conditions, clinicians may consider alternatives to lisinopril:

  • ARBs (losartan, valsartan, irbesartan): similar blood pressure benefits; lower risk of dry cough and angioedema compared with ACE inhibitors
  • Other ACE inhibitors (enalapril, benazepril, ramipril): comparable efficacy; dosing and half-life vary
  • Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, diltiazem): useful in hypertension and some angina; do not affect potassium
  • Thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone): often first-line or used in combination; effective for salt-sensitive BP
  • Beta-blockers (metoprolol, carvedilol): preferred in certain heart conditions; not first-line for uncomplicated hypertension

Choice depends on your medical history, kidney function, race and ethnicity considerations, pregnancy status, and potential interactions.

Approximate Prices in the USA (USD)

Generic prices vary by pharmacy, dose, and insurance. The ranges below reflect typical cash prices or discount-card rates for 30 tablets:

  • Lisinopril 10 to 40 mg: about $4 to $15
  • Enalapril: about $6 to $20
  • Losartan: about $5 to $18
  • Valsartan: about $8 to $28
  • Amlodipine: about $4 to $12
  • Hydrochlorothiazide: about $2 to $10
  • Ramipril: about $7 to $22

Mail-order and 90-day supplies may reduce the monthly cost. Brand-only products, where applicable, are usually higher. Always compare pharmacies and use legitimate discount programs.

Helpful Tips and FAQs

  • Take at the same time each day. Consistency improves BP control.
  • If you develop a persistent dry cough, speak with your clinician; an ARB may be considered.
  • Avoid potassium-heavy salt substitutes unless your clinician approves.
  • Check your blood pressure at home and bring readings to appointments.

Disclaimer

This page provides general educational information and may not include all directions, interactions, or precautions. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your personal treatment plan should be created with your licensed health care provider. We are not responsible for any harm or loss resulting from the use of this information or self-treatment. For individual instructions, consult your clinician or pharmacist.

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