How Does Lisinopril Work for High Blood Pressure? Plus, 5 More FAQs
Key takeaways:
Lisinopril (Zestril, Qbrelis) is a first-choice medication for high blood pressure. It’s an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. This means it blocks the actions of ACE in the body. This stops the formation of a hormone that raises your blood pressure.
Lisinopril starts working about an hour after you take it. It’s a long-term medication for most people, but it’s generally safe and well tolerated. In rare cases, it can cause angioedema and kidney or liver problems.
Lisinopril is available as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 70% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
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Table of contents
High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions in the U.S., affecting close to half of U.S. adults. Known as “the silent killer,” it often doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. But it can be deadly if left untreated.
When it comes to treating high blood pressure, lisinopril (Zestril, Qbrelis) is a first-choice option. But how does lisinopril work for high blood pressure? And is it safe? Here, we’ll answer these and more common questions about lisinopril.
1. How does lisinopril work for high blood pressure?
Lisinopril belongs to a class of medications called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Lisinopril prevents this enzyme (protein) from doing its job. But how does this affect blood pressure?
Blood pressure is controlled by several systems in the body. One of the most important is called the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The main hormone in the RAAS that raises your blood pressure is called angiotensin II. It does this by tightening your blood vessels and telling your kidneys to hold on to sodium and water.
The RAAS works like a series of dominos. ACE turns angiotensin I into angiotensin II. Then angiotensin II works to raise your blood pressure. Lisinopril blocks ACE, which stops the next domino from falling. This prevents the formation of angiotensin II and keeps it from raising your blood pressure.
What’s more, lisinopril’s effect on the RAAS can also have a positive effect on your kidneys and heart. That’s why lisinopril has more uses than just treating high blood pressure.
2. How long does it take lisinopril to work?
Lisinopril starts to lower blood pressure about an hour after you take it. But it takes about 6 hours to reach its peak effect. After that, the effects start to wear off over the next 24 hours, which is why you need to take lisinopril every day to keep your blood pressure under control.
You’ll likely start with a low lisinopril dose once daily. Your provider may increase your dosage over time if needed. This helps lessen the chance of side effects, such as dizziness and headache. In some cases, lisinopril isn’t enough to control blood pressure on its own. In this case, a diuretic (“water pill”), such as hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), might be added to your treatment plan. In fact, there’s a combination tablet available, called Zestoretic, that contains both medications in one pill.
3. Does lisinopril make you pee more?
No, lisinopril won’t make you pee more after you start taking it. But diuretics can cause this side effect. So if you’re taking a diuretic along with lisinopril, you may pee more often.
In rare cases, lisinopril can cause kidney damage. This side effect is more likely in people who already have kidney problems. If you notice that you’re peeing less often after starting lisinopril, or you stop peeing altogether, let your provider know right away. This could be a sign that your kidneys aren’t working the way they should.
4. Does lisinopril cause weight gain?
No. Lisinopril seems to have little effect on your weight. Some studies even report a small amount of weight loss (up to 3 lbs) while you’re taking it. Still, it’s a good idea to get about 30 minutes of exercise most days to keep your heart healthy.
Keep in mind that other medications can cause weight gain. This includes other common blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers.
If you notice your weight changing after starting lisinopril, speak to your provider. They can help determine the cause and how to manage it.
5. How long do you have to take lisinopril?
Lisinopril is usually a long-term medication. That’s because high blood pressure is a condition that requires ongoing treatment to prevent complications, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Lisinopril helps control high blood pressure, but it doesn't cure it. So you shouldn’t stop taking lisinopril without talking to your healthcare provider. That being said, some people are able to lower their blood pressure through lifestyle changes. This includes reducing sodium, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol.
If lifestyle changes work well for you, it’s possible that your provider may have you stop taking lisinopril. But in most cases, your provider will have you try these changes before they prescribe medication.
6. Is lisinopril safe to take?
Lisinopril is a safe and well-tolerated medication for most people. In fact, when taken for a long time lisinopril has a number of health benefits other than lowering blood pressure. For example, it can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. And managing your blood pressure reduces your risk for kidney disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Common lisinopril side effects include dizziness, a dry cough, and high potassium levels. In rare cases, lisinopril may cause swelling of the face and mouth, known as angioedema. And kidney or liver problems are also possible, but not common. Your provider will likely monitor you for any signs of a serious side effect while you’re taking lisinopril. But don’t hesitate to reach out if any symptoms appear that seem concerning.
Who shouldn’t take lisinopril?
There are some people who shouldn’t take lisinopril. If you have a history of angioedema, then lisinopril may not be the best option for you. And lisinopril is not FDA approved for children under 6 years old.
Lisinopril also isn’t recommended If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider may recommend a different blood pressure medication during pregnancy, such as labetalol.
How to save on lisinopril
There are ways to save on lisinopril, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.
Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you save over 70% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic lisinopril’s price at certain pharmacies is less than $[lisinopril low price] with a free GoodRx discount.
Save with a copay savings card. Qbrelis, the liquid form of lisinopril, is only available as a brand-name medication. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $30 per month for Qbrelis using a savings card from the manufacturer.
Save with a patient assistance program. If you’re uninsured, you may be eligible for Qbrelis’ patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of charge.
The bottom line
Lisinopril (Zestril, Qbrelis) is a first-choice medication for high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by blocking the formation of angiotensin II, a hormone that raises your blood pressure.
Lisinopril starts working about an hour after you take it. It’s a long-term medication for most people, but it’s generally safe and well tolerated. Lisinopril won’t make you gain weight or pee more often while you’re taking it. But in rare cases it can cause angioedema and kidney or liver problems. If you have questions about taking lisinopril, reach out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Why trust our experts?
References
Bryant Ranch Prepack. (2023). Lisinopril tablet [package insert].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Facts about hypertension.
Fountain, J. H., et al. (2023). Physiology, renin angiotensin system. StatPearls.
Wharton, S., et al. (2018). Medications that cause weight gain and alternatives in Canada: A narrative review. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity.
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