Lisinopril: Uses, Side Effects, and Safety Guide
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack. It lowers blood pressure by helping the body remove sodium and water and by reducing the effects of certain hormones.
Lisinopril is usually taken once daily and can help control blood pressure and protect the heart. Take it exactly as prescribed, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about pregnancy, kidney function, blood potassium, and possible drug interactions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C09AA03
- Generic
- Lisinopril
- Class
- ace-inhibitor
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- D
- Half-life (h)
- 12
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- —
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10mg to 40mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.07 mg/kg once daily, up to 5mg initially
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg to 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesterdiscontinue immediately
do not use during 2nd and 3rd trimesters due to risk of fetal renal failure, oligohydramnios, and death
fetal ultrasound for amniotic fluid assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
generally not recommended during breastfeeding especially with premature infants or those with renal impairment
monitor infant for hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 years and olderweight-based dosing required
approved for hypertension in children ≥6 years; start with low dose and titrate as needed
monitor blood pressure, renal function, and potassium levels
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart at lower end of dose range
initiate therapy at low dose and titrate slowly; monitor renal function closely
regular monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and potassium
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce starting dose
reduce initial dose to 5mg once daily for CrCl 30-80 mL/min; 2.5mg once daily for CrCl <30 mL/min
frequent monitoring of renal function and potassium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment needed
use with caution; no major dosage adjustment required but monitor for signs of hepatic dysfunction
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Lisinopril belongs to the ACE inhibitor class of antihypertensive medications
FDA approval year
Lisinopril was first approved by the FDA in 1987 for treatment of hypertension
Primary indications
Common therapeutic uses for Lisinopril in clinical practice
Common starting dose for hypertension
Typical initial dosing for adult patients with hypertension
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy