X
More than 60,000 patients use Brite
4.6 stars
Your health finally understandable with Brite
Enter email and you're done. No subscription, no credit card.
Search, tap and you're done. Over 3,400 medicines.
Check, remind, get an overview.
Sarah K., 34
I finally understand my therapy. The app reminds me, answers my questions — and I don't feel alone with it anymore.
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor taken just once a day that reliably lowers blood pressure. It additionally protects the heart and kidneys – especially in diabetes – when taken regularly and correctly.
See more detail.gif)
Intake reminders, blood-pressure trend and your medication plan in one place. Free.
Never stop taking Lisinopril on your own. Stopping abruptly can cause a sharp rise in blood pressure – always agree any changes with your practice. Lisinopril (brand name Acerbon®) is a blood-pressure-lowering medication from the group of ACE inhibitors. It is taken just once a day, reliably lowers blood pressure and additionally protects the heart and kidneys – especially in people with diabetes.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Lisinopril |
| Brand name | Acerbon® |
| ATC code | C09AA03 |
| Drug class | ACE inhibitor |
| Formulation | Tablets 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg |
| Intake | Once daily, independent of meals |
| Standard dose | 10–20 mg/day (usually starting at 5–10 mg) |
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Special note | Not during pregnancy; kidney protection in diabetes |
The body has a hormonal control system that regulates blood pressure – the renin-angiotensin system. A key step in it is the enzyme ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme): it produces the hormone angiotensin II, which narrows the vessels and raises blood pressure. Lisinopril blocks this enzyme. As a result, less angiotensin II is formed, the vessels stay wider, and blood pressure falls.
This is exactly what helps people with high blood pressure. Because ACE inhibitors also lower the pressure in the fine kidney vessels, they protect the kidneys – an important benefit in chronic kidney disease and in type 2 diabetes. One side effect of ACE blockade: the messenger substance bradykinin accumulates, which in some people triggers a dry, irritating cough.
Lisinopril is taken once daily, always at roughly the same time and independent of meals. Treatment starts low and the dose is then slowly increased (titrated up) until blood pressure is within the target range.
| Situation | Dose |
|---|---|
| Starting dose | 5–10 mg once/day |
| Usual maintenance dose | 10–20 mg once/day |
| Maximum dose | up to 40 mg once/day |
| Impaired kidney function / prior diuretic therapy | Lower start (e.g. 2.5 mg) |
A missed dose is taken as soon as you notice – but never take a double amount in one day. What generally applies to a missed dose is explained in the guide Missed a medication.
brite reliably reminds you to take your daily Lisinopril and documents your blood pressure.
Together with Ramipril and Enalapril, Lisinopril belongs to the ACE inhibitors. They work through the same mechanism but differ in details such as half-life, conversion in the body and excretion. For everyday use, what matters most is that most of them allow once-daily dosing.
| Property | Lisinopril | Ramipril | Enalapril |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration of action / half-life | Long (approx. 12 h) | Long (active metabolite 13–17 h) | Medium (active metabolite approx. 11 h) |
| Intake | Once daily | Once daily | Once or twice daily |
| Prodrug? | No, directly active | Yes, converted in the liver | Yes, converted in the liver |
| Excretion | Predominantly via the kidneys | Predominantly via the kidneys | Predominantly via the kidneys |
| Special note | No liver conversion needed – manageable even in liver disease | Extensive data on cardiovascular protection | Oldest of the group, well studied |
Which ACE inhibitor is the right one depends on co-existing conditions, kidney and liver function and how well it is tolerated. None is universally "the best" – the choice is made individually by your doctor.
The best-known side effect of ACE inhibitors is a dry, irritating cough. It is harmless but often bothersome and in some people appears only after weeks. If the cough disrupts treatment, the switch is usually to a so-called sartan (AT1 blocker).
| Side effect | Frequency | What to do? |
|---|---|---|
| Dry, irritating cough | Common | Raise it with your doctor; switch to a sartan if needed |
| Dizziness, low blood pressure | Common | Get up slowly; have the dose reviewed |
| Raised potassium, rising kidney values | Occasional | Have blood values checked |
| Angioedema (swelling of face, tongue, throat) | Rare | Emergency – call 112 immediately |
ACE inhibitors slightly raise the potassium level. Anything that additionally raises potassium or strains the kidneys can become problematic. Check combinations in the interaction check.
| Substance / medication | Interaction | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, salt substitutes | Dangerously high potassium level | Only under medical supervision |
| NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac) | Weaker blood-pressure lowering, kidney strain | Avoid; prefer paracetamol |
| Sartans or aliskiren (further RAS inhibitors) | Increased effect on kidneys and potassium | Avoid dual blockade |
| Other antihypertensives, diuretics | Increased blood-pressure lowering | Watch for dizziness |
In people with type 2 diabetes, ACE inhibitors have a particular benefit: they lower not only blood pressure but also the pressure in the small kidney vessels and reduce protein loss in the urine. This slows the progression of chronic kidney disease – a central reason why Lisinopril is often the first choice here.
To make sure this protection works safely, the practice checks the kidney values and blood potassium after starting and after dose changes. A slight, stable rise in kidney values is normal here and no reason to stop. You can record your values and blood pressure in the digital medication plan and bring them to your appointment.
With brite you document your blood pressure and intake for every doctor's appointment.
