Lisinopril is a prescription medication used to help manage high blood pressure. It is a generic medication, but it also comes in brand-name versions such as Zestril and Qbrelis.
Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. These medications work by helping your blood vessels to relax, which helps blood flow more easily and lowers your blood pressure. ACE inhibitors are the first medication doctors typically prescribe to manage high blood pressure, as per the 2023 review that shows their effectiveness.
Lisinopril may also be used for conditions like kidney disease and heart failure.
Sometimes, lisinopril may cause side effects like a dry cough, dizziness, or low blood pressure. Due to these reasons, you may consider seeking out alternative treatments.
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What would be a good substitute for lisinopril?
Other prescription medications are available that you could take as alternatives to lisinopril, such as:
- Other ACE inhibitors: They work similarly to lisinopril and are likely to have similar side effects. However, they may vary in how often you need to take them, whether you need to take them with food, and whether they break down in your liver or in other parts of your body.
- Examples: benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned), captopril (Capoten)
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): Doctors typically use these drugs to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). They may also prescribe these drugs following a heart attack. They work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors. ARBs lower your blood pressure by helping your blood vessels to relax, helping the blood flow more easily.
- Calcium channel blockers (CCBs): Older adults (ages 65 years and older), Black people, and people with kidney disease or diabetes may prefer taking a calcium channel blocker combined with another blood pressure medication. CCBs reduce blood pressure by limiting the amount of calcium that flows into your heart muscle and artery cell walls. With less calcium flowing into the muscles and arteries, the contractions in your heart aren’t as strong, causing the blood vessels to relax, and this helps lower your blood pressure.
- Examples: amlodipine (Norvasc) and diltiazem (Dilacor)
- Diuretics: Sometimes, doctors prescribe diuretics either on their own or with lisinopril to help manage high blood pressure. These medications remove water and electrolytes from your body by increasing urination.
- Examples: hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide, furosemide (Lasix), and torsemide (Demadex)
- Beta-blockers: Healthcare professionals commonly use beta-blockers to treat heart problems such as high blood pressure, chest pain, unusual heart rhythm, congestive heart failure, and heart attacks. Beta-blockers reduce the speed and force of your heartbeat, thereby lowering your blood pressure.
- Examples: atenolol (Tenormin) and metoprolol (Toprol XL)
Switching from lisinopril to an alternative medication should involve a discussion with a healthcare professional. Talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing side effects from lisinopril and would like to switch to another alternative for high blood pressure. The best lisinopril alternative for you will depend on what you’re taking it for, your health history, and other factors.
Over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives to lisinopril
No OTC medications or treatments are currently available to help manage high blood pressure.
Talk with your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any OTC drugs or supplements that claim to lower your blood pressure. They may not work as advertised, and they may interact with other medications you are taking.
Natural treatments for high blood pressure
While no vitamins or supplements are available that help manage your blood pressure the same way lisinopril or other prescription medications would. Certain lifestyle changes can have a positive effect on your blood pressure and heart health.
The following lifestyle changes may help manage high blood pressure:
- walking and regular exercise
- eating a well-balanced, low sodium, heart-healthy diet
- limiting or avoiding alcohol (if you drink)
- reducing caffeine
- managing stress
- reaching and maintaining a weight that’s right for you
- quitting smoking (if you smoke)
- limiting the amount of refined carbohydrates and sugar
- eating more calcium and magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens and certain legumes
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Various alternative treatments to lisinopril are available, which can help manage high blood pressure. Different alternatives may still have side effects. Your doctor can help determine the best lisinopril alternative for you based on what you’re taking it for, your health history, and other factors.
No OTC alternatives to lisinopril are currently available, but certain lifestyle changes can help manage your blood pressure in combination with a prescription medication.