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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

ACE Inhibitor🔒 Prescription only

What Is Lisinopril Used For?

Brand names: Zestril, Prinivil, Qbrelis

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

What is Lisinopril used for?

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Heart failure
Recovery after heart attack
Kidney protection in diabetes

How does Lisinopril work?

Lisinopril blocks an enzyme that produces angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels. By blocking it, lisinopril relaxes blood vessels and reduces blood pressure.

Dosage information

💊Available forms

2.5mg tablets
5mg tablets
10mg tablets
20mg tablets
40mg tablets

📏Typical dosage

Usually 10–40mg once daily. Your doctor will start low and increase gradually.

⚠️ Dosage varies by individual. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions — never self-dose based on general information.

Side effects

Common

Dry persistent cough (very common)
Dizziness
Headache
Fatigue
Low blood pressure when standing

⚠️ Serious — contact your doctor

Angioedema — sudden swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat (emergency)
High potassium levels
Kidney function changes

Important warnings

DO NOT take if pregnant — serious harm to unborn baby

Stop and seek emergency care for sudden face/throat swelling

Monitor kidney function and potassium regularly

Avoid potassium supplements unless directed

Drug interactions

These substances may interact with Lisinopril. This is not a complete list — always tell your doctor and pharmacist ALL medications and supplements you take.

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)Potassium supplementsOther blood pressure medicationsLithium

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

🤰 CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy — do not take

Always consult your doctor or obstetrician before taking any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

What is lisinopril used for?

Lisinopril treats high blood pressure, heart failure, and protects kidneys in people with diabetes. It also improves survival after heart attacks.

Why does lisinopril cause a cough?

ACE inhibitors increase bradykinin levels which irritates airways. This dry cough affects 10–15% of users and resolves when medication is stopped.

Can I take ibuprofen with lisinopril?

Avoid regular ibuprofen or naproxen — they reduce lisinopril's effectiveness and may worsen kidney function. Use acetaminophen instead.

What time of day should I take lisinopril?

Lisinopril can be taken any time of day with or without food. Take it at the same time daily.

Does lisinopril cause weight gain?

Lisinopril itself does not cause weight gain. Significant weight gain while taking it could indicate fluid retention — contact your doctor.

Related medications

💊MetforminBiguanide 💊AtorvastatinStatin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor)💊AmlodipineCalcium Channel Blocker 💊HydrochlorothiazideThiazide Diuretic (Water Pill)

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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Information on this page is sourced from general pharmaceutical references and is provided for educational purposes only. Drug information may change — always verify with your pharmacist or prescriber. PillCodex.com is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.