Lisinopril Dosage: An Introduction
The dose of
lisinopril (
Zestril®) that your healthcare provider prescribes will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition you are being treated for
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your lisinopril dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
If you are over 65 years of age, your healthcare provider may choose to monitor your dosing adjustments more cautiously.
Lisinopril Dosage for High Blood Pressure
The recommended starting dosage of lisinopril for people with
high blood pressure (
hypertension) is 10 mg, taken once daily. Based on the
blood pressure response and/or
side effects of lisinopril, the dosage may be increased or decreased. For most people, the normal daily dose is 20 mg to 40 mg. For each change in your lisinopril dosage, it may take several weeks to see the full effects on blood pressure.
If you have hypertension and are already taking a diuretic, your healthcare provider will most likely tell you to stop taking the diuretic before starting lisinopril. If you cannot stop the diuretic, however, for other medical reasons, your healthcare provider may choose to start you on a lower dose of lisinopril, such as 5 mg, under close medical supervision.
If you have kidney disease or kidney failure, your healthcare provider may start you on a lower dose as well, depending on the severity of your kidney disease. And if you have liver disease or liver failure, your healthcare provider may also start you on a lower dose and monitor you more closely.
