Lisinopril Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

Applies to lisinopril: oral solution, oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet; solution)

Discontinue lisinopril as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected, as drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.

Serious side effects of lisinopril

Along with its needed effects, lisinopril may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lisinopril:

More common

• blurred vision
• cloudy urine
• confusion
• decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• abdominal or stomach pain
• body aches or pain
• chest pain
• chills
• common cold
• cough
• diarrhea
• difficulty breathing
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• loss of voice
• nasal congestion
• nausea
• runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• vomiting

Rare

• arm, back, or jaw pain
• chest discomfort, tightness, or heaviness
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches and pains
• shivering
• trouble sleeping

Other side effects of lisinopril

Some side effects of lisinopril may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• inability to have or keep an erection
• lack or loss of strength
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• rash

Rare

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• heartburn
• indigestion
• muscle cramps
• sensation of spinning
• stomach discomfort or upset
• swelling

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lisinopril: oral solution, oral tablet.

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypotension (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain, angina pectoris, orthostatic hypotension, palpitations
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angioneurotic edema, myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident, palpitations, tachycardia, Raynaud's phenomenon^[Ref]

Hypotension is most likely in patients who are sodium and intravascular volume depleted. In large studies, patients have reported "heart pounding" and chest pain, although the relationship to lisinopril is questionable.^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Creatinine increased (10%)
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Renal insufficiency^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (19%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, syncope
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paresthesias^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Creatinine increased (10%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rhinitis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Bronchospasm, sinusitis, allergic alveolitis/eosinophilic pneumonia^[Ref]

A study has revealed a significantly higher incidence of discontinuation of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor therapy due to cough among black patients compared with nonblack patients (9.6% vs. 2.4%).^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia
• Frequency not reported: Gout, hypoglycemia in diabetic patients receiving ACE inhibitors when concurrently treated with oral antidiabetic agents or insulin^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Frequency not reported: Pancreatitis, constipation, flatulence, dry mouth, taste disturbance^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angioedema^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, pruritus, erythema
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Alopecia, urticaria, psoriasis, hypersensitivity/angioedema, angioneurotic edema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis, and/or larynx
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Sweating, skin lesions, skin infections, pemphigus, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, erythema multiforme, cutaneous pseudolymphoma
• Frequency not reported: Photosensitivity, flushing, diaphoresis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Bone marrow depression, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia/neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, decreases in hemoglobin, decreases in hematocrit^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Memory impairment, confusion, somnolence, irritability, nervousness, hallucinations
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Mania

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Creatinine increased
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cholestatic jaundice that progresses to fulminant hepatic necrosis and sometimes death (discontinue of therapy if jaundice or markedly elevated hepatic serum enzymes develop)

Endocrine

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Diabetes, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Cough
• Frequency not reported: Fatigue, asthenia, orthostatic effects, tinnitus, olfactory disturbance

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Impotence
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Gynecomastia
• Frequency not reported: Proteinuria

Frequently asked questions

• Does lisinopril cause weight gain?
• What is the strength of Qbrelis (lisinopril) oral solution?
• How long after taking 5 mg lisinopril will my blood pressure drop down?
• Can I just stop taking lisinopril?
• Do ACE inhibitors make COVID-19 worse?

Further information

Lisinopril side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer