# Lisinopril in Nigeria

Lisinopril has 43 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 29 registration holders; 53 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/lisinopril/
- Drug class: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (Hypertension)
- Also known as: Zestril, Prinivil
- Prescription required: yes
- On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Lisinopril sells for about ₦1,120 online in Nigeria (₦850–₦2,850) at HealthPlus and MedPlus. The online price is roughly unchanged since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## What is Lisinopril?

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, one of the most important classes of blood pressure medications used in Nigeria today. It works by blocking an enzyme called ACE, which is responsible for producing a chemical called angiotensin II — a powerful substance that causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow. By blocking this enzyme, lisinopril allows the blood vessels to relax and widen, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing the workload on the heart. Hypertension is estimated to affect 30-45% of Nigerian adults, with the majority of cases undiagnosed because high blood pressure typically causes no symptoms until serious complications such as stroke, heart failure, or kidney damage have already developed.

Lisinopril holds a particularly important place in the treatment of patients who have both hypertension and diabetes — a combination that is alarmingly common in Nigeria. ACE inhibitors have been proven to protect the kidneys from damage caused by diabetes and high blood pressure, making lisinopril a preferred choice for these patients. It is also a cornerstone medication for heart failure management and is recommended for use after a heart attack to improve survival. However, an important consideration in the Nigerian context is that ACE inhibitors tend to be less effective as monotherapy (single-drug treatment) in Black patients compared to calcium channel blockers or thiazide diuretics. For this reason, lisinopril is very often prescribed in combination with amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide for optimal blood pressure control in Nigerian patients.

Lisinopril is available in Nigeria under brand names including Zestril (AstraZeneca), Prinivil (Merck), and locally manufactured brands such as Emzipril (Emzor). It is taken once daily and comes in several strengths to allow flexible dose adjustment. One of the most well-known side effects of lisinopril — and all ACE inhibitors — is a persistent dry cough, which affects a significant proportion of patients and is the most common reason for switching to an alternative medication such as losartan (an ARB). Despite this, lisinopril remains a vital and widely prescribed drug in Nigeria because of its proven benefits for the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels.

## What is Lisinopril used for?

- Treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) — often in combination with amlodipine or a diuretic for optimal control in Nigerian patients
- Management of heart failure — helps the heart pump more efficiently and improves survival
- Protection of the kidneys in patients with diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease caused by diabetes)
- Post-heart attack treatment — reduces the risk of death and further heart damage when started within 24 hours of a heart attack
- Reduction of cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes and hypertension

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: For hypertension: the usual starting dose is 5mg to 10mg taken once daily. The dose may be increased gradually over 2-4 weeks based on blood pressure response, up to a maximum of 40mg once daily. For heart failure: the starting dose is usually 2.5mg to 5mg once daily, increased slowly under medical supervision. Take lisinopril at the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
- Children: Lisinopril may be used in children aged 6 years and older for hypertension, at an initial dose of 0.07mg/kg once daily (up to 5mg). Paediatric dosing should always be determined and monitored by a specialist doctor. It is not recommended for children under 6 years.
- Elderly: Elderly patients should start at a lower dose of 2.5mg to 5mg once daily due to a higher likelihood of reduced kidney function. Dose increases should be gradual, with regular monitoring of kidney function and potassium levels.

Lisinopril must be taken every day, even when you feel well. Do NOT stop taking lisinopril suddenly without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will want to check your kidney function (creatinine) and potassium levels periodically through blood tests, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose. Never double up on doses.

## Side effects

Common: Dry, persistent cough — this is the most characteristic and common side effect of all ACE inhibitors, affecting up to 10-20% of patients. The cough is typically dry, tickly, and non-productive, and may take weeks to develop after starting the drug; Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly (postural hypotension); Headache; Fatigue or tiredness; Nausea or diarrhoea; Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalaemia) — usually detected through blood tests.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Angioedema — sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat that can obstruct breathing. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital treatment. It is more common in Black patients; Severe hypotension (very low blood pressure) — causing fainting, especially with the first dose or if dehydrated; Acute kidney failure — particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney problems or those taking NSAIDs simultaneously; Dangerously high potassium levels (severe hyperkalaemia) — can cause life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances; Severe allergic reactions including skin rash, fever, and joint pain.

When to see a doctor: Seek EMERGENCY medical attention immediately if you experience swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing — this may be angioedema, a potentially life-threatening reaction that is more common in patients of African descent. See your doctor promptly if you develop a persistent dry cough that interferes with your daily life — your doctor may switch you to an ARB such as losartan. Also consult your doctor if you experience severe dizziness, fainting, reduced urine output, or any unusual symptoms.

## Warnings

Do not take if: ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGNANCY — lisinopril can cause serious birth defects and death of the unborn baby, especially in the second and third trimesters. Women of childbearing age must use reliable contraception while taking this medication; Do not take if you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the face/throat) related to previous ACE inhibitor use; Do not use in combination with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or moderate-to-severe kidney impairment; Do not take if you are allergic to lisinopril or any other ACE inhibitor (such as enalapril or ramipril); Use with extreme caution in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis (narrowing of blood vessels to both kidneys).

Interactions: Potassium supplements and potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone) — combining with lisinopril can cause dangerously high potassium levels; NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and diclofenac) — can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of lisinopril and increase the risk of kidney damage. Many Nigerians take these painkillers freely; inform your pharmacist if you are on lisinopril; Lithium — lisinopril can increase lithium levels in the blood to toxic levels; Other blood pressure-lowering medications — may cause blood pressure to drop too low when combined; Diabetes medications (insulin, metformin, glimepiride) — lisinopril may enhance the blood sugar-lowering effect, increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia; blood sugar monitoring may need to be more frequent; Salt substitutes containing potassium — avoid these while taking lisinopril.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Lisinopril is ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy. ACE inhibitors are known to cause serious harm to the developing baby, including kidney failure, low amniotic fluid, skull defects, and death, particularly when used in the second and third trimesters. If you discover you are pregnant while taking lisinopril, STOP the medication immediately and contact your doctor urgently to switch to a pregnancy-safe alternative such as methyldopa or labetalol. Women planning pregnancy should discuss switching to a safer antihypertensive before conceiving. Lisinopril is also not recommended during breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Consult your doctor for a safer alternative if you are breastfeeding.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Zestril (AstraZeneca, made in UK); Emzipril (Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, made in Nigeria).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/lisinopril/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the packaging — all genuine lisinopril brands sold in Nigeria must carry a valid NAFDAC number (e.g., A4-XXXX or B4-XXXX format)
2. Verify the NAFDAC number using the NAFDAC Green Book or the NAFDAC mobile verification app available on Android and iOS
3. Purchase only from licensed pharmacies and registered patent medicine stores — avoid buying blood pressure medications from unregistered vendors or open markets
4. Check the expiry date and ensure the packaging is intact, properly sealed, and free from signs of tampering or water damage
5. Genuine tablets should be uniform in size, shape, and colour. If tablets appear irregular, crumbly, discoloured, or have an unusual odour, do not use them and report to NAFDAC
6. For imported brands like Zestril and Prinivil, verify the batch number and look for security features on the packaging. For Emzor products, check for the holographic seal and NAFDAC registration

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### Why does lisinopril cause a dry cough, and what can I do about it?

The dry cough associated with lisinopril (and all ACE inhibitors) is caused by the accumulation of a substance called bradykinin in the lungs. Normally, ACE breaks down bradykinin, but when ACE is blocked by lisinopril, bradykinin builds up and irritates the airways, triggering a dry, persistent cough. This cough is harmless but can be very bothersome — it may keep you up at night or interfere with your daily activities. Unfortunately, there is no effective way to treat the cough while continuing the medication. If the cough is intolerable, your doctor will likely switch you to an ARB such as losartan, which provides similar benefits without the cough. Do NOT stop lisinopril on your own — always consult your doctor first.

### Can lisinopril be combined with amlodipine?

Yes, combining lisinopril with amlodipine is one of the most effective and commonly used antihypertensive combinations in Nigeria. In fact, this combination is specifically recommended in many treatment guidelines, particularly for Black and African patients who often need two or more medications to achieve optimal blood pressure control. The two drugs work through different mechanisms — amlodipine relaxes blood vessels while lisinopril blocks the renin-angiotensin system — and together they provide superior blood pressure reduction compared to either drug alone. An added benefit is that lisinopril can help reduce the ankle swelling that amlodipine sometimes causes. Fixed-dose combination tablets containing both drugs in a single pill are available in some markets, which simplifies the medication routine and improves adherence.

### Is lisinopril safe for diabetic patients?

Lisinopril is not just safe for diabetic patients — it is actually one of the preferred blood pressure medications for people with diabetes. ACE inhibitors like lisinopril have been proven to protect the kidneys from the damage caused by diabetes (diabetic nephropathy). They reduce the amount of protein leaking into the urine (a sign of kidney damage) and slow the progression of kidney disease. This is critically important in Nigeria, where diabetes and hypertension frequently coexist and diabetic kidney disease is a leading cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis. If you have both diabetes and high blood pressure, lisinopril may help protect your kidneys while controlling your blood pressure. However, your doctor will need to monitor your kidney function and potassium levels regularly through blood tests.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)