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Lisinopril Medicine
A prescription medicine, lisinopril is used to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure. It can also improve survival following a heart attack. Brand-name versions of lisinopril include Zestril and Prinivil, and there are also several generic versions available that are sold as Lisinopril tablets.
An Introduction to Medicines Containing Lisinopril
Lisinopril is the compound name for several medicines used to treat problems affecting the blood vessels and heart. Brand-name versions include Zestril® (manufactured by AstraZeneca) and Prinivil® (manufactured by Merck). Lisinopril is also available in generic form, sold under the name Lisinopril tablets.
Lisinopril is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.
What Is Lisinopril Used For?
Lisinopril is licensed to treat a number of conditions, including:- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Congestive heart failure. Lisinopril is used as an add-on when treating people with congestive heart failure who are not reaching their goals with diuretics ("water pills") and digoxin (Digitek®, Lanoxin®) or digitoxin.
- Acute heart attack. Lisinopril can be given to people within 24 hours of having a heart attack to increase chances of survival.
How Does This Drug Work?
As mentioned, lisinopril is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Lisinopril helps to block this enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, lisinopril causes blood vessels to relax, which lowers blood pressure.
(Click any of the following links for more information on the different brands of lisinopril available:
- Zestril
- Prinivil
- Lisinopril tablets.)
Information on these lisinopril brands includes their uses, side effects, drug interactions, and dosing guidelines. Precautions and warnings people should be aware of before taking the medication are also included.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD