Lisinopril oral tablet is a generic drug that’s prescribed for high blood pressure and certain heart-related conditions. The medication is also available as the brand-name drug Zestril. Lisinopril belongs to the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drug class.

Lisinopril is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to:

  • Treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and in children ages 6 years and older. Lisinopril may be used alone or with other medications for this purpose.
  • Treat heart failure in adults. For this purpose, lisinopril is given as an add-on treatment with other drugs.
  • Reduce the risk in adults of dying after a heart attack. Lisinopril is taken with other drugs for this purpose.

For more information on the conditions lisinopril treats and how it’s used, see the “Lisinopril uses” section below.

If you and your doctor agree lisinopril is working well to treat your condition, you’ll likely use the drug long term.

Drug details

You’ll find key information about lisinopril below.

  • Drug forms: oral tablet
  • Brand-name version available? yes
  • Prescription required? yes
  • Controlled substance? no
  • Year of FDA approval: 1988

Note: Lisinopril also comes as an oral solution marketed under the brand name Qbrelis. (There is currently no generic version of the oral solution.) This article addresses lisinopril oral tablets only.

Lisinopril oral tablet is a generic drug. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Zestril is the brand-name medication that lisinopril oral tablet is based on. A generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in taking Zestril instead of lisinopril oral tablet, talk with your doctor. They can tell you whether Zestril comes in strengths that can be used for your condition. If you have insurance, you’ll also need to check whether your plan will cover Zestril.

To learn more about how generics compare with brand-name drugs, see this article.

Lisinopril oral tablet can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking lisinopril oral tablet. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of lisinopril oral tablet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with lisinopril oral tablet, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of lisinopril oral tablet can include:

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • cough†
  • gastrointestinal (digestive) side effects†
  • chest pain‡

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from lisinopril oral tablet. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view lisinopril oral tablet’s prescribing information.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
‡ This side effect was only reported in people taking lisinopril for heart failure.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from lisinopril oral tablet aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
† Lisinopril has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see the “Lisinopril and pregnancy” section below.

Side effect details

Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Cough

Cough may be a side effect of lisinopril for some people. This was one of the more common side effects reported by people taking the drug in clinical trials.

You may experience coughing within hours of taking your first dose of lisinopril oral tablet. It can also happen months after you start your treatment.

Although it’s not common, some people have stopped taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as lisinopril due to a cough that won’t go away.

If you develop a cough while taking lisinopril, talk with your doctor. If the cough won’t go away or is bothering you, your doctor may suggest a medication other than lisinopril to treat your condition.

Increased potassium levels

Some people taking lisinopril oral tablets may have increased potassium levels. This side effect is typically mild, but in rare cases, it can be serious.

People with kidney problems are more likely to have increased potassium levels with lisinopril. This is because having reduced kidney function makes it harder for your body to get rid of potassium.

You may also be more likely to have high potassium levels from taking lisinopril if you:

  • have diabetes
  • take a medication classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic, such as spironolactone (Aldactone)
  • take a potassium supplement
  • use a salt substitute that contains potassium

High potassium levels do not cause symptoms in most people. But in rare cases, you may have symptoms such as:

Your doctor will monitor your potassium levels using blood tests while you’re taking lisinopril. But if you notice any of the symptoms listed above, talk with your doctor right away. This condition can be treated, and treating it sooner can help prevent it from becoming serious.

Gastrointestinal side effects

In rare cases, taking lisinopril can cause some gastrointestinal (digestive) side effects.

Gastrointestinal side effects reported by people taking lisinopril in clinical trials included:

  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • flatulence (gas)

If you experience gastrointestinal side effects from lisinopril, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on the side effect, they may recommend treatment.

Gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, and gas can sometimes be treated using over-the-counter (OTC) medications. But it’s always best to talk with your doctor before you take any medication, including OTC drugs.

Allergic reaction and angioedema

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking lisinopril oral tablet.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Taking lisinopril can also cause angioedema, which is severe, sudden swelling that forms under your skin. Symptoms can include:

  • swelling that affects your arms, face, intestines, legs, lips, tongue, voice box, or vocal cords
  • shortness of breath
  • abdominal pain

In some cases, you may be at higher risk of angioedema while taking lisinopril. For instance, your risk may be increased if you’ve had angioedema in the past that wasn’t caused by taking an ACE inhibitor such as lisinopril. You may also have a higher risk if you’re Black. Use of ACE inhibitors has been linked with a higher rate of angioedema in Black people than in people who are not Black.

Your doctor can tell you more about your risk of angioedema when taking lisinopril.

Call your doctor right away if you have any kind of allergic reaction to lisinopril, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

The lisinopril dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using lisinopril oral tablet to treat
  • your age
  • side effects from lisinopril you may have
  • other medical conditions you may have or medications you may take

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug strengths

Lisinopril oral tablets are available in the following strengths:

  • 2.5 milligrams (mg)
  • 5 mg
  • 10 mg
  • 20 mg
  • 30 mg
  • 40 mg

Dosage for high blood pressure

For treating hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults, the recommended starting dose is 10 mg taken once per day. Depending on your blood pressure readings, your doctor may adjust your dosage over time. The typical dosing range is 20 mg to 40 mg taken once daily.

Dosage for adjunctive treatment of heart failure

When lisinopril is used as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment for heart failure, the recommended starting dose is 5 mg taken once per day. But if you have low blood sodium levels, your doctor may have you start with a dose of 2.5 mg taken once per day.

Over time, your doctor will increase your dose. They’ll try to get you to the maximum dose of 40 mg if you don’t have bothersome side effects and if lisinopril seems to be working for you.

Dosage for heart attack

For reducing the risk of death after a heart attack, the recommended starting dose of lisinopril is 5 mg. You’ll get another 5-mg dose 24 hours later. After another 24 hours, you’ll get one 10-mg dose. You’ll then continue taking 10 mg once per day for at least 6 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of lisinopril if you have hypotension (low blood pressure) after your heart attack.

Children’s dosage

For high blood pressure in children, it’s recommended that treatment start with a dosage of no more than 5 mg per day. The dose will then be adjusted based on the child’s blood pressure readings, up to a maximum dose of 40 mg per day.

To determine the right lisinopril dose, your child’s doctor will use the child’s weight in kilograms.

What if I miss a dose?

To help make sure you do not miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Lisinopril oral tablet is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that lisinopril oral tablet is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about lisinopril oral tablet.

What’s lisinopril’s classification? Is it a beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor, blood thinner, or diuretic?

Lisinopril is classified as an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. For more information on ACE inhibitors and how lisinopril works, see the “How lisinopril works” section below.

Depending on the condition it’s being used to treat, lisinopril may be used with other drugs, including beta-blockers, blood thinners, or diuretics. For more information, see the “Lisinopril use with other drugs” section below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more.

Does lisinopril cause weight loss or weight gain?

No, lisinopril isn’t known to cause weight loss or weight gain. People taking the drug in clinical trials didn’t report weight changes as a side effect.

Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of liver damage, a very rare but potentially serious side effect of lisinopril. In most cases, weight loss occurs with other symptoms of liver damage. These symptoms can include:

Unexplained weight gain can be a symptom of angioedema, a very rare but potentially serious side effect of lisinopril. Angioedema is the severe, sudden swelling that forms under your skin due to an allergic reaction to lisinopril. Symptoms can include:

  • swelling of the face or mouth
  • shortness of breath
  • abdominal pain

If you’re concerned about weight changes during your lisinopril treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How quickly will lisinopril lower my blood pressure?

Lisinopril begins working to lower your blood pressure after you take your first dose, but you may not notice the drug working in your body. This is because high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms.

In clinical trials, some people had lower blood pressure within 24 hours after taking their first dose. But it may take longer for lisinopril to work for you.

If you have questions about what to expect with your lisinopril treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Will lisinopril lower my heart rate?

No, lisinopril should not lower your heart rate. This effect wasn’t seen in clinical trials.

Depending on the condition you’re using lisinopril to treat, other medications you take with lisinopril may lower your heart rate. For example, people with heart failure are usually also prescribed a beta-blocker, which are medications that lower your heart rate.

If you have questions or concerns about how your treatment may affect your heart rate, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can lisinopril interact with grapefruit?

No, lisinopril doesn’t interact with grapefruit.

Depending on the condition you’re using lisinopril to treat, other drugs you take with lisinopril may interact with grapefruit. For example, after a heart attack, most people are also prescribed a statin, which is a medication that lowers your cholesterol. Some statins interact with grapefruit. Your doctor or pharmacist can check for any interactions between the statin you’re prescribed and grapefruit.

If you have other questions about whether grapefruit interacts with any medications you take, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does lisinopril increase the risk of cancer?

It’s not known. More studies are needed to determine whether ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril increase the risk of cancer.

The evidence linking ACE inhibitors to cancer is conflicting. Smaller studies have shown both an increased and a decreased risk of cancer with the use of ACE inhibitors.

If you have concerns about your risk of cancer with lisinopril or any of your other medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does lisinopril cause any long-term side effects?

It’s possible. However, long-term side effects caused by lisinopril are infrequent. Most of lisinopril’s side effects go away quickly with ongoing treatment or after you stop taking the medication. Some serious side effects of lisinopril may need treatment to go away.

Liver damage caused by lisinopril might lead to long-term problems, though this is rare.

Kidney damage can occur with lisinopril. However, this damage is usually reversible if treatment with the drug is stopped.

If you take lisinopril long term, your doctor will likely order blood tests to monitor for certain side effects, such as kidney damage.

Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about long-term side effects from taking lisinopril.

There are no known interactions between lisinopril oral tablets and alcohol.

However, excessive alcohol intake can make hypertension (high blood pressure) harder to treat. This is because drinking an excessive amount of alcohol may raise your blood pressure.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting yourself to no more than:

  • one drink per day if you’re female*
  • two drinks per day if you’re male*

Although red wine may have some health benefits (including for your heart), excessive consumption can raise your blood pressure. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much may be safe for you to drink with your condition and treatment plan.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Lisinopril oral tablet can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

Lisinopril and interactions with other drugs

Below is a list of medications that can interact with lisinopril oral tablet. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with lisinopril oral tablet.

Before taking lisinopril oral tablet, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You should not take lisinopril with the drug sacubitril, which is an active ingredient in the combination drug sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto). Taking sacubitril/valsartan with lisinopril may raise your risk of angioedema. This is severe, sudden swelling that forms under your skin. (To learn more about the risk of angioedema, see the “Allergic reaction and angioedema” section above.)

People taking lisinopril who have diabetes should not take aliskiren (Tekturna) with lisinopril. Taking these drugs together raises the risk of side effects from either drug, especially in people with diabetes.

Medications that can interact with lisinopril include:

  • Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide. Taking a diuretic with lisinopril could lead to a severe decrease in blood pressure.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Taking an NSAID with lisinopril can raise your risk of kidney damage.
  • Aliskiren and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) such as valsartan (Diovan). Taking these drugs with lisinopril could raise your risk of side effects, including hypotension (low blood pressure), high blood potassium levels, and kidney damage.
  • Lithium (Lithobid). Taking lisinopril with lithium can increase the levels of lithium in your body, which can lead to a lithium overdose. Symptoms of lithium overdose may include tremors, mild twitching or spasms, or uncontrollable rapid eye movement.
  • Sirolimus (Rapamune) and everolimus (Afinitor, Zortress). Taking these drugs with lisinopril may raise your risk of angioedema.
  • Sodium aurothiomalate, also known as injectable gold. Taking lisinopril with injectable gold could cause a reaction similar to nitrite poisoning. Symptoms include low blood pressure, flushing, and nausea or vomiting.

Lisinopril oral tablet and herbs and supplements

There are no herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with lisinopril oral tablet. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking lisinopril oral tablet.

Lisinopril oral tablet and foods

There are no foods that have been specifically reported to interact with lisinopril or foods you need to avoid while taking the drug. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with lisinopril, talk with your doctor.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as lisinopril oral tablet to treat certain conditions. Lisinopril may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Lisinopril oral tablet for high blood pressure

Lisinopril is prescribed to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and in children ages 6 years and older.

Your heart needs a constant supply of blood and oxygen to work correctly. The nutrients your heart needs are supplied by blood vessels, which can stretch and tighten to accommodate more or less fluid.

When your blood vessels tighten, your blood pressure can increase. A hormone made by your body, called angiotensin II, sends signals telling your blood vessels to tighten. In addition, angiotensin II causes your body to hold on to more water and salt, which also raises your blood pressure.

Lisinopril treats high blood pressure by blocking the action of a protein called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). By blocking ACE, lisinopril reduces the amount of angiotensin II hormone that your body makes. This can help lower your blood pressure.

You can learn more about high blood pressure in our hypertension hub.

Effectiveness for high blood pressure

Clinical trials have found lisinopril to be effective for treating high blood pressure in adults. However, the trials have shown that lisinopril may be less effective at lowering blood pressure in people who are Black.*

If you have questions about how well lisinopril may work for you, talk with your doctor.

For more information on how the drug performed in studies, see lisinopril’s prescribing information.

According to clinical guidelines, ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril are one of four preferred drug classes for treating high blood pressure in most adults. Your doctor can determine which medication will work best for you based on your needs.

* Research has shown that Black people tend to have lower levels of renin, which is an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. This type of drug helps lower blood pressure by preventing the hormone angiotensin I from being made into another hormone called angiotensin II. Angiotensin I is made by renin, so people with less renin have less angiotensin I to block. As a result, lisinopril may not be as effective at lowering their blood pressure.

Lisinopril oral tablet for adjunctive treatment of heart failure

Lisinopril is approved for use as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment for heart failure in adults.

With heart failure, your heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to supply your body. When this occurs, your heart may have to work harder to try to pump more blood. This can cause further damage to your heart and make heart failure worse.

Symptoms of heart failure can include:

  • a cough that doesn’t go away
  • shortness of breath
  • swelling in your ankles, abdomen, or legs
  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain

Lisinopril treats heart failure by widening your blood vessels. This makes it easier for your heart to pump blood through your body. Over time, this can help prevent your heart from working too hard and becoming stiff or enlarged.

You can learn more about heart failure in our cardiovascular health hub.

Effectiveness for adjunctive treatment of heart failure

Clinical trials have found lisinopril to be effective as an adjunctive treatment for heart failure. For more information on how the drug performed in these clinical trials, see lisinopril’s prescribing information.

Clinical guidelines recommend treatment with an ACE inhibitor such as lisinopril for adults with heart failure. According to these guidelines, using an ACE inhibitor can lower your risk of hospital stays if you have heart failure. In some cases, ACE inhibitors can also lower your risk of death from heart failure.

Lisinopril oral tablet for heart attack

Lisinopril is approved to reduce the risk in adults of dying after a heart attack.

When you have a heart attack, blood flow to certain areas of the heart is cut off. A lack of blood flow can damage your heart, making it weaker and unable to work properly.

Symptoms of a heart attack may include:

  • chest pain, pressure, or tightness
  • pain that spreads into your arms, back, neck, or jaw
  • shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • nausea

Lisinopril works to widen your blood vessels. This means your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood through your body.

You can learn more about heart attacks from our cardiovascular health hub.

Effectiveness for heart attack

Clinical trials have found lisinopril to be effective for reducing the risk of dying after a heart attack. For more information on how the drug performed in these clinical trials, see lisinopril’s prescribing information.

In addition, clinical guidelines recommend the use of an ACE inhibitor, such as lisinopril, to help reduce the risk of dying after a heart attack.

Lisinopril oral tablet and children

Lisinopril is approved to treat high blood pressure in children ages 6 years and older. Clinical trials have found lisinopril to be effective for this use. For more information on how the drug performed in these clinical trials, see lisinopril’s prescribing information.

Depending on the condition it’s prescribed to treat, you may use lisinopril alone or with other drugs.

For example, for treating hypertension (high blood pressure), you may take lisinopril alone. But in some cases, your doctor may also prescribe another blood pressure medication that works differently than lisinopril, such as hydrochlorothiazide. For some people, using more than one drug works better to treat high blood pressure.

For treating heart failure and for reducing the risk of dying after a heart attack, lisinopril is used with other drugs. Medications commonly used with lisinopril for treating heart failure include beta-blockers and diuretics. Medications commonly used with lisinopril after a heart attack include beta-blockers, statins, and blood thinners.

If you have questions about using lisinopril with other drugs, talk with your doctor.

Lisinopril is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to:

  • Treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and in children ages 6 years and older. Lisinopril may be used alone or with other medications for this condition.
  • Treat heart failure in adults. For this purpose, lisinopril is given as an add-on treatment with other drugs.
  • Reduce the risk in adults of dying after a heart attack. Lisinopril is taken with other drugs for this purpose.

Lisinopril for high blood pressure

Your heart needs a constant supply of blood and oxygen to work correctly. The nutrients your heart needs are supplied by blood vessels, which can stretch and tighten to accommodate more or less fluid.

When your blood vessels tighten, your blood pressure can increase. A hormone made by your body, called angiotensin II, sends signals telling your blood vessels to tighten. In addition, angiotensin II causes your body to hold on to more water and salt, which also raises your blood pressure.

For treating high blood pressure, Lisinopril’s mechanism of action is to block the function of a protein called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). (“Mechanism of action” refers to how a drug works.) By blocking ACE, lisinopril reduces the amount of angiotensin II your body makes. This can help lower your blood pressure.

Lisinopril for heart failure

With heart failure, your heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to supply to your body. Sometimes, this happens because the heart muscles have become stiff and hard. This can mean that blood flow to the heart may be reduced or even blocked. In other cases of heart failure, the heart may not pump enough blood to support other organs in your body.

When your heart can’t pump enough blood to support your body, it may have to work harder. This can make heart failure worse.

Symptoms of heart failure can include:

  • a cough that doesn’t go away
  • trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • swelling in your ankles, abdomen, or legs
  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain

Lisinopril works to treat heart failure by widening your blood vessels. This makes it easier for your heart to pump blood through your body. Over time, this can help prevent your heart from working too hard and becoming stiff or enlarged.

Lisinopril for heart attack

With a heart attack, blood flow to certain areas of the heart is cut off. A lack of blood flow can damage your heart, making it weaker and unable to work properly.

Symptoms of a heart attack may include:

  • chest pain, pressure, or tightness
  • pain that spreads into your arms, back, neck, or jaw
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • nausea

Lisinopril works to widen your blood vessels. This means your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood through your body. This helps your heart heal after a heart attack and prevents it from working too hard.

How long does it take to work?

Lisinopril begins working as soon as you take your first dose, but you may not notice the drug working in your body. This is because high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms.

For treating high blood pressure, many people in clinical trials had their blood pressure lowered within 1 hour of taking their first dose.

Clinical guidelines recommend ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril for reducing the risk of dying within 24 hours after a heart attack.

If you have other questions about how long it takes lisinopril to work, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How long does it stay in your system?

Lisinopril stays in your system for about 48 to 60 hours.

Lisinopril’s half-life is about 12 hours. (A drug’s half-life is the amount of time it takes for your body to remove half a dose from your system.) The half-life may be longer in people with kidney problems. Normally a drug is cleared from your system in four to five half-lives.

You may wonder how lisinopril compares with similar medications, such as losartan. The table below shows an overview of how these generic drugs compare:

LisinoprilLosartan
Brand nameZestrilCozaar
Formoral tabletoral tablet
Uses• treating hypertension in adults and children ages 6 years and older
• treating heart failure in adults
• reducing the risk of dying after a heart attack in adults		• treating hypertension in adults and children ages 6 years and older
• lowering the risk of stroke in certain adults
• treating diabetic nephropathy in certain adults

Note that Lisinopril also comes as an oral solution marketed under the brand name Qbrelis. (There is currently no generic version of the oral solution.) This article addresses lisinopril oral tablets only.

These drugs cause similar side effects, and both have a boxed warning about the risk of fetal harm or pregnancy loss if taken during pregnancy. (A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.)

To learn more about these drugs, including their side effects, you can refer to the prescribing information for lisinopril and losartan. Your doctor or pharmacist can also provide more information about how these drugs compare.

Visit Optum Perks to find coupons and savings for lisinopril and losartan.

You may wonder how lisinopril compares with other similar drugs, such as amlodipine. The following table shows an overview of how these two generic drugs compare:

LisinoprilAmlodipine
Brand nameZestrilNorvasc, Katerzia, Norliqva
Formsoral tablet• oral tablet
• oral suspension
• oral solution
Uses• treating hypertension in adults and children ages 6 years and older
• treating heart failure in adults
• reducing the risk of dying after a heart attack in adults		• treating hypertension in adults and children ages 6 years and older
• treating coronary artery disease, including angina, in adults

Note that Lisinopril also comes as an oral solution marketed under the brand name Qbrelis. (There is currently no generic version of the oral solution.) This article addresses lisinopril oral tablets only.

These drugs cause similar side effects, and some different ones as well. It’s important to note that lisinopril has a boxed warning about the risk of fetal harm or pregnancy loss if taken during pregnancy. (A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.)

To learn more about these drugs, including their side effects, you can refer to the prescribing information for lisinopril and amlodipine. Your doctor or pharmacist can also provide more details about how these drugs compare.

Visit Optum Perks to find coupons and savings for lisinopril and amlodipine.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to lisinopril oral tablets, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Alternatives for high blood pressure

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) include:

Alternatives for treatment of heart failure

Examples of other drugs that may be used as treatment for heart failure include:

  • another ACE inhibitor, such as ramipril
  • an ARB, such as losartan or valsartan
  • certain beta-blockers, including:
    • bisoprolol
    • carvedilol
    • metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL)
  • an aldosterone receptor antagonist, such as spironolactone (Aldactone) or eplerenone (Inspra)
  • dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
  • ivabradine (Corlanor)
  • sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto)
  • digoxin (Lanoxin)
  • hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil)

Alternatives for heart attack

Examples of other drugs that may be used after a heart attack include:

  • another ACE inhibitor, such as ramipril
  • an ARB, such as losartan or valsartan
  • certain beta-blockers, including:
    • bisoprolol
    • carvedilol
    • metoprolol
  • drugs to prevent blood clots, such as aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix)

You should take lisinopril oral tablets according to the instructions your doctor or another healthcare professional gives you.

Lisinopril oral tablets are taken by mouth.

When to take

Regardless of the condition it’s used to treat, lisinopril is typically taken once per day. There is no best time to take lisinopril. You can take your dose at any time of day. But it may be helpful to take lisinopril around the same time each day (for example, with breakfast) to make it part of your daily routine.

To help make sure you do not miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Taking lisinopril oral tablets with food

You may take lisinopril with or without food.

Can lisinopril oral tablets be crushed, split, or chewed?

It depends. In most cases, the tablets may be crushed, split, or chewed. And if your doctor approves, the tablets can be dissolved in water and then swallowed, if you have trouble swallowing tablets.

However, there are several manufacturers of lisinopril oral tablets. To make sure the lisinopril tablets you’re prescribed can be crushed, split, or chewed, talk with your pharmacist or doctor first.

If your tablets can’t be crushed, split, or chewed, your doctor or pharmacist can recommend other treatments that may be easier for you to take. This may include other forms of lisinopril.

Do not use more Lisinopril oral tablet than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose, such as hypotension (low blood pressure).

What to do in case you take too much lisinopril oral tablet

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

This drug comes with several precautions.

FDA warning: Risks if used during pregnancy

Lisinopril has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Risks if used during pregnancy. Drugs such as lisinopril can cause harm to a fetus or pregnancy loss if taken during pregnancy. For this reason, you should not take lisinopril while pregnant, and you should stop taking lisinopril if you become pregnant during your treatment. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about safer options for treating your condition.

If you become pregnant while taking lisinopril, it’s very important that you tell your doctor right away. They’ll have you stop taking the drug, and they can recommend other treatments instead.

Contraindications to lisinopril oral tablet

Lisinopril oral tablets also have some contraindications (conditions or factors that would prevent you from taking the medication). Contraindications for lisinopril include:

If you have any of these factors, you should not use lisinopril. Ask your doctor about other treatment options that might work well for you.

Other precautions

Before taking Lisinopril oral tablets, talk with your doctor about your health history. Lisinopril may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Heart problems. Before you take lisinopril, tell your doctor about any heart problems you may have. Although lisinopril is used to treat some heart problems, other heart problems could raise your risk of side effects from lisinopril. Examples of these side effects include low blood pressure and low sodium levels. Your doctor can determine whether lisinopril is safe for you to take.
  • Kidney problems. People with kidney problems may have a higher risk of certain side effects of lisinopril, including high potassium levels. If you have kidney problems, you may need a lower dose of lisinopril, depending on how severe your condition is. Your doctor can determine whether lisinopril is safe for you to take.
  • Liver problems. Although rare, lisinopril can cause liver damage. If you already have liver problems, you may have a higher risk of this side effect. Your doctor can determine whether lisinopril is safe for you to take.
  • Low sodium levels. If you have low sodium levels, you may have a higher risk of low blood pressure with lisinopril. You may need to take a lower dose of lisinopril. Your doctor can determine whether lisinopril is safe for you to take and the best dose for you.
  • Diabetes. Although it’s not common, taking lisinopril can cause high blood potassium levels. People with diabetes may have a higher risk of this side effect. Before you take lisinopril, talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have diabetes. They can determine the safest dose of lisinopril for you.
  • Pregnancy. Lisinopril should not be used during pregnancy. In fact, the drug has a boxed warning for the risk of using it during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Lisinopril and pregnancy” section below.
  • Breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while taking lisinopril. For more information, see the “Lisinopril and breastfeeding” section below.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of lisinopril oral tablet, see the “Lisinopril side effects” section above.

As with all medications, the cost of lisinopril oral tablets can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. You can learn more about the cost of lisinopril treatment in this article.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of lisinopril oral tablet. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or your insurance company.

Before approving coverage for lisinopril oral tablets, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for lisinopril, contact your insurance company.

Drug coupons

To save money on your lisinopril prescription, explore the Optum Perks coupons below.

You can also visit Optum Perks for price estimates of lisinopril. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Save on your lisinopril prescription

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Retail price refers to the manufacturer’s published list price and is up to date as of 3/2023. Retail and discounted prices are U.S.-only and can vary based on region and pharmacy. We cannot guarantee that the discounted price listed here will exactly match the price at your pharmacy. Please contact your pharmacy for the exact price.

Optum Perks and Healthline are subsidiaries of RVO Health.

Pricing source:Perks.optum.com

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Financial and insurance assistance

Financial assistance to help you pay for lisinopril oral tablets may be available in addition to the Optum Perks coupons in the previous section.

Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites offering resources that may help decrease the price you pay for lisinopril. They also offer tools to help you find low cost healthcare, as well as educational resources. To learn more, visit their sites.

Mail-order pharmacies

Lisinopril oral tablets may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of lisinopril, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor and your insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Lisinopril oral tablets are not safe to take while pregnant. This is because drugs such as lisinopril can cause harm to a fetus or pregnancy loss if taken during pregnancy.

Lisinopril has a boxed warning about this effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

For this reason, you should not take lisinopril while pregnant, and you should stop taking lisinopril if you become pregnant during your treatment. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about safer options for treating your condition.

If you become pregnant while taking lisinopril, it’s very important that you tell your doctor right away. They’ll have you stop taking the drug, and they can recommend other treatments instead.

Lisinopril is not safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking lisinopril oral tablet.

For more information about taking lisinopril oral tablet during pregnancy, see the “Lisinopril and pregnancy” section above.

You should not breastfeed while taking lisinopril oral tablets. It’s not known whether the drug passes into human breast milk or if it can cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Because of the potential for serious side effects in a child who is breastfed, breastfeeding is not recommended while taking lisinopril.

If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about your options.

When you get lisinopril oral tablet from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to correctly dispose of it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Lisinopril oral tablet should be stored at a room temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in a tightly sealed container away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take lisinopril oral tablet and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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