- Class
- ACE inhibitors
- Body system
- Cardiovascular
- Brand names
- Zestril, Prinivil, Qbrelis
What is Lisinopril used for?
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- After a myocardial infarction
- Diabetic kidney disease with albuminuria (off-label)
How Lisinopril works
Blocks the angiotensin-converting enzyme, so less angiotensin II is made: blood vessels relax and aldosterone falls.
Common side effects
- Dry, persistent cough
- Dizziness and first-dose hypotension
- Headache
- Hyperkalemia
- Rise in serum creatinine
Report right away
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (angioedema): a medical emergency
- Fainting
- Signs of high potassium: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat
Nursing considerations for Lisinopril
- Check the blood pressure before the dose and watch for hypotension after the first dose.
- Monitor potassium, BUN and creatinine.
- Angioedema can occur at any time, even after years of use; stop the drug and protect the airway.
Patient teaching
- Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes (potassium chloride) unless prescribed.
- Report a cough that will not go away; the prescriber may switch to another drug.
- Use reliable contraception and report pregnancy at once.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
ACE inhibitors practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Lisinopril belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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A patient taking lisinopril reports swelling of the lips and tongue. What is the priority action?
Show answer
Answer B: Assess the airway and notify the provider immediately Angioedema can obstruct the airway. It is an emergency: stop the drug, assess and protect the airway, and get help.
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Which lab value should the nurse monitor most closely in a patient on an ACE inhibitor?
Show answer
Answer A: Potassium Less aldosterone means the kidney keeps potassium, so hyperkalemia is a key risk.
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A patient on enalapril has a persistent dry cough. Which drug is the prescriber most likely to switch to?
Show answer
Answer B: Losartan ARBs such as losartan do not cause bradykinin buildup, so they rarely cause cough. Switching to another ACE inhibitor would not help.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lisinopril used for?
Hypertension; Heart failure; After a myocardial infarction; Diabetic kidney disease with albuminuria (off-label).
What drug class is Lisinopril?
Lisinopril belongs to the class ACE inhibitors. Blocks the angiotensin-converting enzyme, so less angiotensin II is made: blood vessels relax and aldosterone falls.
What are the nursing considerations for Lisinopril?
Check the blood pressure before the dose and watch for hypotension after the first dose. Monitor potassium, BUN and creatinine.
What should patients report while taking Lisinopril?
swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (angioedema): a medical emergency; fainting; signs of high potassium: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat.