Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.
Check symptoms

Lisinopril

Brand names: Zestril, Prinivil, Qbrelis

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and protect the heart and kidneys.

Brand namesZestril, Prinivil, Qbrelis
Type of medicineACE inhibitor (blood pressure medicine)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It blocks a hormone that tightens blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump.

What it's used for

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart failure
  • Improving survival after a heart attack
  • Protecting the kidneys in people with diabetes

How to take it

  • Take it once a day, with or without food, at the same time each day.
  • Keep taking it even if you feel fine.
  • Stand up slowly at first, especially in the first few days.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Dry, tickly cough
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
Call 911Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing (can happen even after years of use)
Call your provider todayFainting or severe dizziness
Call your provider todayMuscle weakness or a slow or irregular heartbeat (possible high potassium)
Call your provider todayPeeing much less than usual

Warnings

  • Do not take during pregnancy; it can harm an unborn baby.
  • Not for people who've had swelling (angioedema) from an ACE inhibitor before.
  • Your provider will check your kidney function and potassium with blood tests.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Potassium supplements, salt substitutes with potassium, and potassium-sparing water pills can raise potassium too high.
  • NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can weaken its effect and strain the kidneys.
  • Lithium levels can rise.
  • Don't take with sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) or aliskiren in people with diabetes.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Don't take lisinopril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, call your provider right away to switch medicines.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.