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Lisinopril: Benefits, Dosages and Risks - BuzzRx

Medically reviewed by HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, Pharm.D.
Last Reviewed | May 8, 2023

Overview

Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) is an ACE inhibitor medication used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the workload on the heart. Common side effects of lisinopril include dizziness, headache, nausea, and fatigue. Serious side effects include allergic reactions, changes in urination, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure. It is important to take lisinopril exactly as prescribed by your doctor and to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking. Lisinopril is available in tablet and liquid form and can be taken with or without food.

Uses

The main uses for lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) are to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and to protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.

Dosage

For adults, the initial dose for hypertension is 10 mg orally once a day, while the maintenance dose is 20 to 40 mg orally once a day. For pediatric patients 6 years or older, the initial dose for hypertension is 0.07 mg/kg (up to 5 mg total) orally once daily, with a maximum dose of 0.61 mg/kg per day or 40 mg/day.

Side Effects

Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) can cause side effects such as a persistent dry cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, allergic reactions, changes in urination, muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, flu-like symptoms, feeling tired or weak, brown or dark yellow urine, pale-colored stools, poor appetite, upper stomach pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, and low blood pressure. If you think you have taken too much lisinopril, contact a poison control center and go to an emergency room immediately.

Interactions

Common drugs that may interact with lisinopril include diuretics (water pills), potassium supplements, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), lithium, and other ACE inhibitors. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Warnings

• Do not take lisinopril if pregnant or actively trying to conceive

• Risks include worsening kidney function, high potassium, and liver failure

• Tell your doctor about any existing conditions, allergies, and medications before starting lisinopril

• Check your blood pressure regularly and visit your doctor for regular checkups

• Do not self-treat with OTC medicines while taking lisinopril

• Reduce or limit alcohol intake while taking lisinopril

• Do not take lisinopril with aliskiren, sacubitril, or angiotensin receptor blockers

• Be aware of potential interactions with diabetes medicines, potassium supplements, organ transplant rejection medication, NSAIDs, diuretics, gold compounds, and lithium

Storage

Store lisinopril at room temperature (between 15-30°C or 59-86°F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Keep lisinopril out of reach of children.

Precautionary Measures

The main precautionary measures of lisinopril include avoiding alcohol and other medications that can interact with lisinopril, monitoring your blood pressure regularly, and informing your doctor if you experience any side effects. It is also important to take lisinopril exactly as prescribed by your doctor and to store it at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct light. (Link)