Lisinopril is a prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure in adults and kids who are at least 6 years old.

This medication is also prescribed to treat congestive heart failure or improve the chances of survival after a heart attack in adults.

Lisinopril is in a class of medicines called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing chemicals that tighten blood vessels, lowering blood pressure so blood can flow more smoothly and the heart can pump blood better.

Lisinopril also has a favorable effect on how the heart remodels in heart failure or after a heart attack.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved lisinopril in 1988.

uses

What is Lisinopril (Zestril) used for?

Congestive Heart Failure
Diabetic Nephropathy
Hypertension
Myocardial Infarction
Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia
Heart Disease
Cardiovascular Disease
Hypertensive Congestive Heart Failure
Hypertensive Heart (w/ CHF) and Renal Disease
Hypertensive Heart (w/o CHF) and Renal Disease
Hypertensive Renal Disease
Hypertensive Retinopathy
Renovascular Hypertension
Hypertensive Encephalopathy
Hypertensive Heart Disease

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Lisinopril (Zestril)?

You should not use lisinopril if you are allergic to it or to any other ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor such as captopril, fosinopril, enalapril, benazepril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.

You may also need to avoid taking lisinopril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Lisinopril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you use the medicine during your second or third trimester.

Do not breastfeed.

Do not take lisinopril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto).

If you have diabetes, do not take lisinopril with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

Do not take lisinopril if you have a history of angioedema (severe allergic reaction).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease, heart problems such as a recent heart attack;
low blood pressure;
low white blood cell count;
stomach pain;
if you are on a low-salt diet;
diabetes;
liver disease; or
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Lisinopril (Zestril)?

Get emergency medical help if you have severe stomach pain, hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. signs of an allergic reaction:

Call your doctor at once if you have:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
high blood potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;
low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough;
kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or
liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

headache, dizziness;
low blood pressure, cough; or
chest pain.

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Lisinopril (Zestril)?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Lisinopril (Zestril)?

Use Lisinopril (Zestril) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take lisinopril with or without food.

Measure with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). liquid medicine

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need frequent blood tests.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

If you have high blood pressure, High blood pressure often has no symptoms. keep using this medicine even if you feel well.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking lisinopril. This can lead to very low blood pressure, an electrolyte imbalance, or kidney failure.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Lisinopril (Zestril)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. take two doses at one time. Do not

What to Expect

Lisinopril starts to lower blood pressure within a few hours after you take it, but it may take a few weeks for you to see the full effects.

If you’re using lisinopril for heart failure, it could take weeks or months before you notice improved symptoms.

People who take lisinopril after a heart attack may not have any symptoms and may not feel different when using this medicine. It’s important to keep taking lisinopril, even if you don’t notice any changes.

If you have high blood pressure and heart failure, you’ll likely take lisinopril for a long time, possibly even for the rest of your life.

After a heart attack, lisinopril is usually prescribed for at least six weeks.