Lisinopril: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, most commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, particularly strokes and heart attacks, as part of wider cardiovascular risk management. Lisinopril requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is available as oral tablets and an oral solution.

Lisinopril is indicated for high blood pressure in adults and children aged 6 years and older. It can be used alone or alongside other blood pressure medicines. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Lisinopril is also used alongside other treatment to reduce the signs and symptoms of systolic heart failure, where the heart's pumping function is weakened. Another indication is reducing mortality following an acute heart attack in patients whose circulation is stable, with treatment started within 24 hours. In this setting, it forms part of treatment alongside other appropriate heart attack medicines.

The label lists oral tablets in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg, and an oral solution containing 1 mg/mL. The usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily for adult hypertension. The label lists a usual adult hypertension range of 20 mg to 40 mg per day as a single daily dose.

The label lists 5 mg once daily as the starting dose for adults with hypertension already receiving diuretics. The label lists 5 mg once daily initially for systolic heart failure, increasing as tolerated to 40 mg once daily. The label lists 5 mg within 24 hours of an acute heart attack, followed by 5 mg after 24 hours, 10 mg after 48 hours and then 10 mg once daily.

Dosing depends on the indication, blood pressure response and kidney function. Children's regimens are weight-based, and renal impairment may require a reduced starting regimen.

Lisinopril belongs to the ACE inhibitor class. These medicines reduce the formation of angiotensin, a substance that narrows blood vessels and encourages the body to retain salt and water. With less of this substance, blood vessels relax and blood pressure falls.

This also reduces the resistance against which the heart has to pump. These effects explain the use of ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure and systolic heart failure.

Lisinopril can harm the developing baby. Exposure during the second and third trimesters can reduce fetal kidney function and cause serious injury or death. The label calls for discontinuation as soon as pregnancy is detected.

No data are available on lisinopril in human milk, its effects on a breastfed infant or milk production. Because of potential severe adverse reactions in the infant, the label advises against breastfeeding during treatment.

A missed dose can interrupt regular blood pressure control. General pharmacy guidance is to resume the prescribed schedule, allowing for how close the next dose is, rather than doubling a dose to compensate. A pharmacist can clarify the appropriate approach if the timing is uncertain or doses are repeatedly missed.

The tablet label specifies storage at 20° to 25°C. Protect tablets from moisture, freezing and excessive heat, and keep them in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure to maintain quality.