Lisinopril (Zestril) Dosage Guide in Pakistan

Taking the correct Lisinopril dose is very important — dose adjustment is especially critical in cardiovascular medicine. This guide provides complete information on the adult dose, child dose, and missed/overdose situations.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

Dosage Guide

Quick Answer

The standard adult starting dose of Lisinopril is 5mg once daily, which the doctor gradually increases. In children, the weight-based dose is determined by the doctor. In patients taking diuretics, treatment is started at 2.5mg due to the risk of first-dose hypotension. Never increase the dose on your own.

Dose at a Glance

Adult Dose

Start at 5mg once daily for hypertension; in heart failure typically started at 2.5mg

Once daily — morning preferred

Max: 40mg per day

Child Dose (Above 6 years; generally avoid in children under 6 years)

Weight-based dose — start at 0.1 mg/kg once daily (max 5mg initially)

Once daily — as directed by your doctor

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but if the next dose time is less than 6 hours away, skip it. Never take a double dose. Suddenly skipping a dose of BP medicines can cause a BP spike.

Overdose

Excess dosing can cause BP to fall to a dangerous level (severe hypotension), kidney damage, and elevated potassium. Contact the emergency room or a doctor immediately.

Lisinopril (Zestril) Dosage

The correct Lisinopril dose is always determined by the doctor — based on the patient's condition, BP level, kidney function, and other medicines being taken. Never increase the dose on your own.

Adult Dose

Indication	Starting Dose	Usual Dose	Max
Hypertension	5 mg once daily	10–20 mg once daily	40 mg/day
Heart Failure	2.5 mg once daily	5–20 mg once daily	35 mg/day
Post-MI	5 mg (within 24h)	10 mg once daily	10 mg/day
Diabetic Nephropathy	2.5–5 mg once daily	10–20 mg once daily	20 mg/day

Important: In patients taking diuretics, treatment is started at 2.5mg — to avoid first-dose hypotension.

Starting Dose: 5mg once daily

Usual Dose: As prescribed by your doctor

Max Daily Dose: 40mg — do not exceed your doctor's limit

Child Dose

Above 6 years: start at 0.1 mg/kg once daily — max 5mg initially
Under 6 years: generally avoid
A child's dose is always determined by the paediatrician — do not calculate it yourself

How to Take

Once daily — same time preferred
Morning is more common
With or without food — no difference
Swallow the whole tablet with water

With Food or Empty Stomach

Lisinopril absorption is not affected by food — both with food and without food are fine. Maintain whichever routine suits you.

Missed Dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is less than 6 hours away, skip the dose — follow the normal schedule. Never take a double dose. A dose gap in BP medicines can cause a BP spike — so staying consistent is necessary.

Overdose

Taking excess Lisinopril can cause severe hypotension, kidney damage, and hyperkalemia. Contact your doctor or emergency room immediately.

Dose Summary Table

Patient	Dose	Notes
Adult (Hypertension)	Start at 5mg once daily	Can be increased to 10–20mg
Adult (Heart Failure)	Start at 2.5mg once daily	Carefully titrated upward
Child (6+ years)	0.1 mg/kg once daily	Confirm with paediatrician

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. Always confirm the dose with your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lisinopril ki standard adult dose kya hai?

For hypertension, it is generally started at 5mg and increased to 10mg or 20mg — once daily. In heart failure or post-MI, it may be started at 2.5mg. In patients taking diuretics, also started at 2.5mg. The dose is determined by the doctor.

Lisinopril khane ke sath leni chahiye ya baghair?

Food does not affect Lisinopril absorption — both on an empty stomach or after food are fine. Maintain whichever routine suits you and stay consistent.

Kya Lisinopril roz leni zaroori hai?

Yes — Lisinopril should be taken daily at the same time. Stopping on your own can be dangerous — BP can suddenly rise. If you need to stop, taper slowly after consulting your doctor.

Dose miss ho jaye to kya karein?

Take it as soon as you remember — but if the next dose is less than 6 hours away, skip it and follow the normal schedule. Never take a double dose.

Zyada Lisinopril le li to kya hoga?

An excess dose can cause BP to fall very low (severe hypotension — loss of consciousness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat), kidney damage, and elevated potassium. Go to your doctor or hospital emergency immediately.

Brand alternatives, same-class options, and other medicines used for the same conditions as Zestril Tablet (Lisinopril).

Other arbs, ace inhibitors and other bp medicines

Sibling medicines in the ARBs, ACE Inhibitors and Other BP Medicines class.

All in class →

Used for the same conditions

Other medicines commonly used for headache and overlapping conditions.

Headache hub →

Sources

DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — Lisinopril — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.