Key takeaways:
You don’t need to completely avoid any foods while taking lisinopril. But some foods and drinks can increase your risk of side effects or make the medication less effective.
Potassium-containing salt substitutes can raise potassium to unsafe levels for some people.
Foods high in sodium can work against lisinopril’s blood pressure-lowering effects.
Lisinopril (Zestril, Qbrelis) is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney conditions. Lisinopril works by relaxing blood vessels and changing how your body handles salt, water, and potassium. Because of these effects, some foods and drinks can increase the risk of side effects or make it harder to get the full benefit from treatment.
The good news is that there aren’t any foods or drinks you need to completely avoid while taking lisinopril. But certain foods may be worth limiting so you can get the most benefit from your medication.
Here are some foods and drinks to be mindful of while taking lisinopril.
1. Salt substitutes
If you’re taking lisinopril for high blood pressure, your healthcare team may have recommended eating less salt. It may seem logical to switch from regular salt to a salt substitute. But some salt substitutes can be risky.
Lisinopril causes your body to hold on to more potassium. Many salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, which can raise your potassium levels even further. This can lead to hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Hyperkalemia can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems.
This risk is even higher for people with kidney disease or diabetes. These conditions can make it harder for your body to get rid of excess potassium.
Experts recommend avoiding potassium-containing salt substitutes while taking lisinopril. Examples include:
NoSalt
Nu-Salt
Morton Salt Substitute
Lite Salt
You don’t need to avoid all seasonings while taking lisinopril. Other salt alternatives like herbs, spices, lemon juice, vinegar, and garlic can add flavor without increasing potassium levels.
2. Potassium-rich foods
Most people don’t need to avoid potassium-rich foods while taking lisinopril. In fact, many high-potassium foods are part of a heart-healthy diet.
But if you have kidney disease, diabetes, or a history of high potassium levels, your healthcare team may recommend limiting some high-potassium foods.
Examples of potassium-rich foods include:
Bananas
Oranges and orange juice
Avocados
Raisins
Potatoes
Tomatoes and tomato products
Some lower-potassium alternatives to try instead include:
Berries
Cabbage
Kale
Romaine lettuce
Tofu
Eggs
Your healthcare team can help you decide whether you need to limit foods that are high in potassium.
3. Foods high in sodium
Lisinopril helps lower blood pressure, but a high-sodium diet can work against that goal.
Most of the sodium people eat comes from packaged, processed, and restaurant foods. Limiting these foods can help you get the most benefit from lisinopril and other blood pressure medications.
Examples of high-sodium foods include:
Canned soups
Frozen dinners
Cured meats, such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats
Fast food
Pizza
Chips and crackers
Restaurant meals
Packaged sauces and condiments
Reading food labels can help you keep track of your sodium intake. Most experts recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day. Your healthcare team may recommend a lower target based on your health history.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol can affect blood pressure, which may make it harder to predict how your body will respond to lisinopril. Shortly after drinking, alcohol can lower blood pressure and increase the risk of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. This effect may be more noticeable when you first start lisinopril or after a dose increase.
Over time, drinking moderate to large amounts of alcohol can raise blood pressure and work against the benefits of treatment. Because of this, it’s best to limit alcohol while taking lisinopril. If you choose to drink, talk with your healthcare team about how much alcohol is safe for you based on your health history and blood pressure goals.
Frequently asked questions
Lisinopril may be taken with or without food. The most important thing is to remember to take your medication as instructed. This allows you to get the best results.
Lisinopril can be taken either in the morning or at night. It’s best to take it at the same time every day so you don’t forget.
Lisinopril starts lowering blood pressure within a few hours of your first dose. But it can take 2 to 4 weeks to see the full effects of the medication on your blood pressure.
It’s safe to drink coffee (and caffeine) in moderation while taking lisinopril. Coffee and caffeine won’t affect how well your medication works.
Lisinopril may be taken with or without food. The most important thing is to remember to take your medication as instructed. This allows you to get the best results.
Lisinopril can be taken either in the morning or at night. It’s best to take it at the same time every day so you don’t forget.
Lisinopril starts lowering blood pressure within a few hours of your first dose. But it can take 2 to 4 weeks to see the full effects of the medication on your blood pressure.
It’s safe to drink coffee (and caffeine) in moderation while taking lisinopril. Coffee and caffeine won’t affect how well your medication works.
The bottom line
Lisinopril works best when it’s combined with heart-healthy habits, including paying attention to what you eat and drink. Most people can continue enjoying a wide variety of foods, but it’s important to be mindful of potassium-based salt substitutes, high-sodium foods, and alcohol. If you have kidney disease, diabetes, or a history of high potassium levels, your healthcare team may also recommend limiting certain high-potassium foods.
Why trust our experts?
References
Lopez, E. O., et al. (2026). Lisinopril. StatPearls.
Malta, D., et al. (2016). Adequate intake of potassium does not cause hyperkalemia in hypertensive individuals taking medications that antagonize the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Surma, S., et al. (2021). Coffee and arterial hypertension. Current Hypertension Reports.
Tasnim, S., et al. (2020). Effect of alcohol on blood pressure. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
UNC Kidney Center. (n.d.). Low sodium “salt” diet.
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC. (2025). Zestril - lisinopril tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
