What is Lisinopril: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Take this medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

Lisinopril can be taken with or without food.

How to take lisinopril tablets

• Swallow lisinopril tablets with a drink of water

• Store lisinopril tablets at room temperature protected from moisture, freezing, and heat.

How to take lisinopril oral solution

• Measure each dose using the calibrated oral syringe or medicine cup. Do not use kitchen or table utensils.

• Store lisinopril oral solution at room temperature protected from freezing and heat.

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to lisinopril.

Lisinopril should not be taken by people who were born with a condition that causes head and neck swelling (hereditary angioedema).

Lisinopril should also not be taken by people who have a history of head and neck swelling (angioedema) that has no specific cause.

If you have diabetes, do not use this medicine together with the blood pressure medication Tekturna (aliskiren).

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or if you have:

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Diabetes

• Heart or blood vessel disease.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

• Angioedema (severe swelling of the head and neck or the intestines)

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems and liver failure

• High potassium

This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated, salt-depleted, or taking other blood pressure medications or drugs that make you pee (diuretics). Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

Do not stop using this medicine without asking your healthcare provider, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in a normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are using before taking lisinopril.

Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Some drugs may affect how lisinopril works or the combination may increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: 

• Other blood pressure medications, especially angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), ACE inhibitors, aliskiren, or sacubitril

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics), particularly diuretics that help the body retain potassium, such as spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen

• Immune suppressing drugs that end in –limus such as tacrolimus, everolimus, and sirolimus

• Diabetes drugs called sulfonylureas

• Insulin

• Lithium, a drug that treats bipolar disorder

Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

Find out more about lisinopril interactions to avoid here.