Lisinopril Side Effects in Men: Cough, Dizziness and Sexual Effects

Short answer: The most common lisinopril side effects in men are the same as in women: a dry cough, dizziness, headache and tiredness. Reduced sexual ability is listed on the official label, but in clinical trials impotence was reported by a small share of patients, and high blood pressure itself is a known cause of erection problems. Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat is an emergency. Never stop lisinopril on your own; talk to the doctor who prescribed it.

Key Takeaways

• Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor taken once a day for high blood pressure, heart failure and recovery after a heart attack.^[1]
• A persistent dry cough, dizziness and headache are the side effects most often reported; dizziness is most likely when you stand up quickly.^[2][3]
• MedlinePlus lists “decrease in sexual ability” among lisinopril side effects, and the US label lists impotence among reactions seen in 1% or more of trial patients.^[1][4]
• Among blood pressure drugs, MedlinePlus names thiazide diuretics and then beta blockers as the most common causes of erection problems.^[5]
• Potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes and NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen can interact with lisinopril.^[1][4]
• Tell your doctor about every supplement you take, and never stop or change blood pressure medicine without medical advice.^[1][5]

What Lisinopril Is and How It Works

Lisinopril (brand names include Zestril and Prinivil) belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. MedlinePlus explains that it works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more easily and the heart pumps more efficiently.^[1] It is used to treat high blood pressure, and together with other medicines to treat heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack.^[1]

The enzyme that lisinopril blocks also breaks down a substance called bradykinin. When bradykinin builds up, it is thought to contribute to two well known ACE inhibitor effects: the dry cough and, rarely, angioedema (deep swelling of the skin and airways).^[3]

Lisinopril controls blood pressure but does not cure it. MedlinePlus advises taking it at around the same time every day and continuing even if you feel well.^[1]

Common Lisinopril Side Effects in Men

Men and women share the same general side effect list. MedlinePlus lists cough, dizziness, headache, excessive tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, sneezing, runny nose, rash and decreased sexual ability, and asks patients to tell their doctor if any of these are severe or do not go away.^[1]

The US prescribing information gives a sense of scale. In hypertension trials, headache (3.8%), dizziness (3.5%) and cough (2.5%) were among the reactions reported more often with lisinopril than with placebo, and 5.7% of patients stopped the drug because of side effects.^[4] Most people, in other words, tolerate it.

The lisinopril cough

The cough is dry, tickly and nonproductive. StatPearls describes it as a hacking cough that usually begins within months of starting therapy and goes away 1 to 4 weeks after the drug is stopped.^[3] The NHS describes it simply as a dry cough that does not go away.^[2] If it bothers you, do not stop on your own: your doctor can decide whether to switch you to a different type of blood pressure medicine.

Dizziness and low blood pressure

Dizziness is most likely early in treatment, after a dose increase, or when you stand up quickly.^[2] The NHS suggests avoiding alcohol because it can increase the risk of low blood pressure, and advises not driving or using machinery while you feel dizzy.^[2] Fainting or severe lightheadedness should be reported to your doctor straight away.^[1]

Kidney function and potassium

Lisinopril can raise blood potassium and change kidney function, which is why blood tests are part of normal follow up. In the label, a potassium level above 5.7 mEq/L occurred in 2.2% of hypertension patients.^[4] StatPearls recommends monitoring potassium, blood pressure and kidney markers (BUN and creatinine) during the first weeks of treatment.^[3]

Does Lisinopril Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

It can, but it is not one of the drugs most strongly linked to it. Here is what the sources actually say.

• It is on the label. MedlinePlus lists decreased sexual ability as a possible side effect.^[1] The US prescribing information lists impotence among clinical reactions that occurred in 1% or more of patients treated for hypertension or heart failure, without a placebo comparison for that item.^[4]
• Other blood pressure drugs are bigger culprits. In its guide to drugs that may cause erection problems, MedlinePlus states that thiazide diuretics are the most common cause among high blood pressure medicines, followed by beta blockers.^[5]
• The condition itself matters. The NHS lists high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, anxiety and hormone problems as causes of erection problems that keep happening, and notes that occasional problems are usually caused by stress, tiredness or alcohol.^[6]

This means that a change in erections after starting lisinopril has several possible explanations: the drug, the blood vessel effects of years of high blood pressure, another medicine started at the same time (for example a diuretic in a combination pill), sleep, stress, alcohol, or an unrelated condition such as diabetes. Only a clinician who knows your full history can sort these out.

What your doctor may do

The NHS notes that if a medicine is causing erection problems, your doctor may be able to switch you to a different one.^[6] A useful visit usually includes a review of every drug you take, a blood pressure check and blood tests where needed (for example glucose and cholesterol). For a broader view of routine checks, see our guide to health screenings for men. If another blood pressure drug is part of your treatment, our article on amlodipine side effects in men covers that medicine the same way.

Persistent erection problems are worth reporting even if you are sure the pill is to blame. The NHS points out that they can be a sign of a health condition that can be treated.^[6]

Serious Side Effects: When to Get Help Now

Angioedema is the side effect every person on lisinopril should know about. It causes swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat and can block the airway. The label warns it can occur at any time during treatment, and that ACE inhibitors have been associated with a higher rate of angioedema in Black patients than in non-Black patients.^[4] StatPearls notes it most commonly occurs within the first 3 months.^[3] Swelling with hoarseness or trouble breathing or swallowing is an emergency.

MedlinePlus also lists these as reasons to call your doctor immediately: swelling of the hands, feet, ankles or lower legs, signs of infection such as fever or sore throat, yellowing of the skin or eyes, lightheadedness or fainting, and chest pain.^[1] The NHS adds kidney problems (for example blood in the urine, peeing less, or lower back pain) and severe allergic reactions.^[2]

Lisinopril must not be taken during pregnancy because drugs that act on this hormone system can harm the fetus.^[1][4] If a female partner is prescribed the same drug, she should know this warning.

Interactions: Supplements, Salt Substitutes and Painkillers

Many lisinopril problems come from combinations rather than the drug alone.

• Potassium supplements and salt substitutes. Because lisinopril can raise potassium, the label tells patients not to use salt substitutes containing potassium without consulting their physician, and lists potassium supplements and potassium sparing diuretics as risk factors for high potassium.^[4]
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen. They may reduce the blood pressure lowering effect and, in older, dehydrated or kidney impaired patients, may worsen kidney function.^[3][4] The NHS lists painkillers such as ibuprofen among medicines that may not mix well with lisinopril.^[2]
• Lithium. Lithium toxicity has been reported with ACE inhibitors, so levels are monitored.^[3][4]
• Aliskiren and sacubitril. Aliskiren should not be combined with lisinopril in people with diabetes, and lisinopril must not be taken within 36 hours of switching to or from sacubitril/valsartan.^[1][4]
• Herbal and dietary supplements. The NHS advises telling your doctor about all other medicines, vitamins and supplements you take.^[2]

Some popular supplements can affect blood pressure or potassium. Our article on supplements and high blood pressure explains what to check before adding anything to a blood pressure plan.

A note on herbal products

No supplement is a substitute for prescribed blood pressure medicine, and none should be used to replace or offset a prescribed medicine. If you take or are thinking about taking any herbal product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all supplements, including ones with Panax ginseng such as Ultra Bann, so they can check it against your lisinopril and the rest of your regimen. The complete label is on our Ultra Bann ingredients page so you can show it to your clinician.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Side Effects

Do not stop lisinopril on your own. MedlinePlus is direct: do not stop taking lisinopril without talking to your doctor, and never stop any medicine without first talking to your provider.^[1][5] Uncontrolled blood pressure carries its own risks for the heart, brain, kidneys and, over time, for sexual function.

To make the conversation productive, bring:

1. When the symptom started and whether it began after a new drug or a dose change.
2. A full list of prescriptions, over the counter drugs and supplements, with doses.
3. Home blood pressure readings if you have them, including any readings taken when you felt dizzy.
4. Other changes in the same period: sleep, stress, alcohol, weight, new diagnoses.

Your doctor can then decide whether to adjust the dose, change the time of day, switch drug classes, or look for another cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common lisinopril side effects in men?

A dry cough, dizziness, headache and tiredness are the most commonly reported. Nausea, diarrhea and decreased sexual ability are also listed.^[1] Report any side effect that is severe or does not go away.

Can lisinopril cause erectile dysfunction?

It is listed as a possible side effect, but it is not common. MedlinePlus names thiazide diuretics and beta blockers as the blood pressure drugs most often linked to erection problems, and high blood pressure itself is a recognized cause.^[5][6] Speak with your doctor rather than stopping the medicine.

Does the lisinopril cough go away?

It usually continues while you take the drug and resolves within about 1 to 4 weeks after a doctor stops it.^[3] Your prescriber can decide whether a different medicine is a better fit.

Can I use a salt substitute while taking lisinopril?

Not without asking your doctor first. Many salt substitutes contain potassium, and lisinopril can raise potassium levels.^[1][4]

Can I take ibuprofen with lisinopril?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist first. NSAIDs can blunt the blood pressure effect and may affect kidney function, especially in older or dehydrated people.^[3][4]

References

1. MedlinePlus. Lisinopril. U.S. National Library of Medicine. medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a692051.html
2. NHS. Side effects of lisinopril. nhs.uk/medicines/lisinopril/side-effects-of-lisinopril
3. Olvera Lopez E, Parmar M, Pendela VS, Terrell JM. Lisinopril. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (updated 2024). ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482230
4. DailyMed. Lisinopril tablet prescribing information (Actavis Pharma). U.S. National Library of Medicine. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
5. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Drugs that may cause erection problems. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004024.htm
6. NHS. Erection problems (erectile dysfunction). nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This article is for information only and is not medical advice.