Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUses of LisinoprilBefore TakingLisinopril DosageLisinopril Side EffectsWarnings and InteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses of Lisinopril
Before Taking
Lisinopril Dosage
Lisinopril Side Effects
Warnings and Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
ACE inhibitors cause the blood vessels to dilate (widen), lowering blood pressure. These medications block the activity of ACE, resulting in reduced angiotensin II, which acts directly on the blood vessels. Lisinopril is not the right drug for everyone, such as people with kidney failure or a history ofangioedema.
This article discusses lisinopril and why it is prescribed for certain conditions. It explains the main side effects and the dangers of taking lisinopril, as well as possible drug interactions.
Lisinopril Warning and PregnancyPeople who are pregnant should not take lisinopril. ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril, can cause injury or even death to the developing fetus during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
Lisinopril Warning and Pregnancy
People who are pregnant should not take lisinopril. ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril, can cause injury or even death to the developing fetus during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved lisinopril for the treatment of:
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Off-Label Uses
Off-label uses for lisinopril include:
However, more studies are needed before the drug will be considered a mainstream medication for the treatment of this condition.
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Before Taking Lisinopril
Before giving you a prescription for lisinopril, your healthcare provider will evaluate your blood pressure readings and may do some blood tests to check your kidney function.Your blood potassium levelmay be checked as well because lisinopril can raise potassium levels.
Before taking lisinopril be sure to tell your healthcare provider if:
Lisinopril and DiabetesLisinopril may impact your blood sugar, so you may need to check your level more frequently when taking this medication. If you have diabetes, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider.
Lisinopril and Diabetes
Lisinopril may impact your blood sugar, so you may need to check your level more frequently when taking this medication. If you have diabetes, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider.
Other ACE Inhibitors
Other ACE inhibitors include:
List of Blood Pressure Medications
Lisinopril HCTZ is a combination blood pressure medication that includes hydrochlorothiazide to help make it more effective.
Average Dosage
The average starting dosage of lisinopril is between 2.5 mg and 10 mg. It is usually to be taken only once per day.
According to the FDA, lisinopril should be started at a low dosage and increased gradually over a time span of several weeks.
The starting dose depends on the type of medical treatment you are taking lisinopril for, such as:
The maximum dosage of lisinopril is 80 mg one time per day.
Dosages are lower for children and depend on many factors such as the medical condition for which it’s prescribed, the child’s age, their weight, and more.
How Long Does It Take Lisinopril to Work?
How To Take and Store
How To Take Lisinopril
Lisinopril can be taken with food or on its own. Do not crush the tablet; swallow it whole with liquid.
If you were prescribed the liquid form, you’ll receive a syringe to help you measure the precise dosage. If you are unsure about how to measure your dosage, be sure to talk to your nurse, the pharmacist, or another healthcare provider.
Proper Measuring DevicesMake sure you are using a proper measuring device for the liquid form of lisinopril. Do not measure it in a regular household measuring tool such as a teaspoon.
Proper Measuring Devices
Make sure you are using a proper measuring device for the liquid form of lisinopril. Do not measure it in a regular household measuring tool such as a teaspoon.
How To Store Lisinopril
Storage recommendations for lisinopril include:
Lisinopril side effects include those commonly experienced and those that are more rare.
Common
Common side effects of lisinopril that do not usually require immediate medical attention (unless they do not go away or are causing discomfort) include:
If your anxiety is severe or does not subside after taking lisinopril for a short time, you should tell your healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping lisinopril suddenly can cause or worsen lisinopril-associated anxiety.
Abruptly discontinuing lisinopril can also causetachycardia(a fast heart rate) and sweating.
What Is a Lisinopril Cough?
Severe
Severe side effects, that should be reported to your healthcare provider right away, include:
Lisinopril Warnings and Interactions
Do not stand or sit up suddenly after taking lisinopril, particularly if you are a senior, as this could increase your risk of falls. Do not use heavy machinery or perform any type of activity that requires mental alertness.
Lisinopril should be used with caution in some conditions, including:
Note, these do not represent all of the warnings for taking lisinopril; be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any other precautions or warnings linked with ACE inhibitors.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not take lisinopril. People with certain medical conditions also should not take lisinopril, including those with:
When Should You Not Take Lisinopril?If you become pregnant, you need to talk to your healthcare provider about how to discontinue lisinopril as soon as possible. If you are on lisinopril and planning to become pregnant, you should discuss medication changes before you conceive. For other medical conditions, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
When Should You Not Take Lisinopril?
If you become pregnant, you need to talk to your healthcare provider about how to discontinue lisinopril as soon as possible. If you are on lisinopril and planning to become pregnant, you should discuss medication changes before you conceive. For other medical conditions, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Precautions and Contraindications
Medications that can interact with lisinopril include:
This list of medications is not all-inclusive, so be sure to provide your healthcare provider with a list of every type of medication you are taking, including the dosage and when you take them.
Don’t forget to include over-the-counter medications, herbal and natural supplements (including vitamins), and any other type of medication you take when discussing lisinopril with your healthcare provider.
A Word From Verywell
Lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors can be very effective in treating high blood pressure, heart failure, and other conditions in some people. However, it does cause common side effects, like the lisinopril cough. Other side effects may be more severe. Contact your healthcare provider if these symptoms continue or get worse while taking lisinopril.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLisinopril is not a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers are another medication used to lower blood pressure. One major difference between lisinopril and beta-blockers is that beta-blockers are effective in treating angina (chest pain).Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attack. It also may be used off-label for conditions including migraine headaches.
Lisinopril is not a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers are another medication used to lower blood pressure. One major difference between lisinopril and beta-blockers is that beta-blockers are effective in treating angina (chest pain).
Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attack. It also may be used off-label for conditions including migraine headaches.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Zestril (lisinopril).U.S. National Library of Medicine.Safety study of lisinopril in children and adolescents with a kidney transplant (PTN_LISINO).Sadat‐Ebrahimi S, Parnianfard N, Vahed N, et al.An evidence‐based systematic review of the off‐label uses of lisinopril.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2018;84(11):2502-2521.doi:10.1111/bcp.13705Weisman DS, Arnouk N, Asghar MB, et al.ACE inhibitor angioedema: characterization and treatment versus non-ACE angioedema in acute hospitalized patients.Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives. 2020;10(1):16-18.doi:10.1080/20009666.2020.1711641UpToDate.Patient education: Medications for angina (Beyond the Basics).
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Zestril (lisinopril).U.S. National Library of Medicine.Safety study of lisinopril in children and adolescents with a kidney transplant (PTN_LISINO).Sadat‐Ebrahimi S, Parnianfard N, Vahed N, et al.An evidence‐based systematic review of the off‐label uses of lisinopril.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2018;84(11):2502-2521.doi:10.1111/bcp.13705Weisman DS, Arnouk N, Asghar MB, et al.ACE inhibitor angioedema: characterization and treatment versus non-ACE angioedema in acute hospitalized patients.Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives. 2020;10(1):16-18.doi:10.1080/20009666.2020.1711641UpToDate.Patient education: Medications for angina (Beyond the Basics).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Food and Drug Administration.Zestril (lisinopril).U.S. National Library of Medicine.Safety study of lisinopril in children and adolescents with a kidney transplant (PTN_LISINO).Sadat‐Ebrahimi S, Parnianfard N, Vahed N, et al.An evidence‐based systematic review of the off‐label uses of lisinopril.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2018;84(11):2502-2521.doi:10.1111/bcp.13705Weisman DS, Arnouk N, Asghar MB, et al.ACE inhibitor angioedema: characterization and treatment versus non-ACE angioedema in acute hospitalized patients.Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives. 2020;10(1):16-18.doi:10.1080/20009666.2020.1711641UpToDate.Patient education: Medications for angina (Beyond the Basics).
Food and Drug Administration.Zestril (lisinopril).
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Safety study of lisinopril in children and adolescents with a kidney transplant (PTN_LISINO).
Sadat‐Ebrahimi S, Parnianfard N, Vahed N, et al.An evidence‐based systematic review of the off‐label uses of lisinopril.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2018;84(11):2502-2521.doi:10.1111/bcp.13705
Weisman DS, Arnouk N, Asghar MB, et al.ACE inhibitor angioedema: characterization and treatment versus non-ACE angioedema in acute hospitalized patients.Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives. 2020;10(1):16-18.doi:10.1080/20009666.2020.1711641
UpToDate.Patient education: Medications for angina (Beyond the Basics).
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