Lisinopril

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Joseph Blais, Pharmacist

Last updated on 19/03/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Lisinopril

CHINESE NAME: 賴諾普利

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Lisinopril Actavis, Lisinopril Stada, Zestril

DRUG CLASS: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; Antihypertensive

USED FOR: High blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack, diabetic kidney disease

OTHER DRUGS IN THE SAME CLASS: Captopril, Enalapril, Perindopril, Ramipril

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg (tablets)

What is Lisinopril for?

Lisinopril belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). ACEIs block the substances that constrict the blood vessels and hence more blood and oxygen can reach the heart. Lisinopril is therefore commonly used to treat high blood pressure, kidney problems in patients with diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and improve survival after a heart attack.

How to use it?

Lisinopril can be taken by mouth as tablets. The maximum daily dose of Lisinopril is 40 mg. The adult doses for different uses are listed below:

For high blood pressure

Start with 10 mg once daily. The usual maintenance dose is 20 mg once daily and the maximum daily dose is 80 mg.

For treatment after a heart attack to improve survival

Should only be started once your blood pressure is stable. Typical starting doses range from 2.5 to 10 mg once daily.

For kidney problems in patients with diabetes mellitus

Start with 2.5-5 mg once daily and the dose will be adjusted according to your response. The usual dose is 10-20 mg once daily.

For heart failure

Start with 2.5 mg once daily. The dose should be increased gradually up to 10 mg at least every 2 weeks.

What are the side effects of Lisinopril?

Common side effects of Lisinopril include low blood pressure, angioedema, kidney impairment, dry hacking cough, and elevated potassium levels.

Who should not take Lisinopril?

– People allergic to Lisinopril, other angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or any formulation ingredient
– Patients with angioedema caused by prior ACE inhibitor use
– Patients on Aliskiren with poor kidney function or diabetes
– Pregnant women and those who are trying to get pregnant

Pharmacist Tips:

Notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or intending to get pregnant.

Common dosing schedule:
You can take Lisinopril with or without food.
Take the first dose at bedtime to avoid dizziness. You can take it at any time of day afterwards.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Lisinopril may interact with:
– Aliskiren
– Allopurinol
– Angiotensin II receptor blockers, e.g. Losartan, Telmisartan
– Heparin
– Second generation antipsychotics, e.g. Aripiprazole, Clozapine
– Lithium

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Lisinopril in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Lisinopril is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Lisinopril in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.