Based on NIH | Can lisinopril cause joint pain, how common is this side effect, and what should I do if it occurs?

Lisinopril can cause joint pain in some people, although it appears to be an uncommon side effect. Regulatory product information lists arthralgia (joint pain) and muscle/joint pain among reported adverse reactions with lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors. ^{[1] [2]} In several official labels, “arthralgia” and “joint pain” are specifically named within musculoskeletal reactions seen during treatment. ^{[1] [3]}

How common is joint pain with lisinopril?

Precise, modern percentages for lisinopril‑related joint pain alone are not consistently reported in public labels, but the effect seems to be infrequent. Musculoskeletal complaints like arthralgia and myalgia are listed without a high frequency qualifier in lisinopril labels, suggesting they occur but are not among the most common reactions (such as cough or dizziness). ^[4] Other ACE inhibitor labeling and combination products sometimes report arthralgia/back pain clusters in the single‑digit to low‑teens range in broader musculoskeletal categories, though this varies by product and study and should not be directly applied to lisinopril. ^[5] In clinical summaries of lisinopril, the most frequent side effects include headache, dizziness, cough, and diarrhea, whereas joint pain is not highlighted as a leading reaction indirectly suggesting a lower frequency. ^[4]

Why might ACE inhibitors cause joint or muscle symptoms?

ACE inhibitors increase levels of bradykinin and related peptides, which can contribute to pain signaling and inflammation in some contexts. While joint pain is not a hallmark effect of ACE inhibitors, mechanistic and experimental data link ACE inhibition with bradykinin pathways that could, in susceptible individuals, facilitate musculoskeletal discomfort or flare certain conditions (for example, gout in animal models). ^[6] These mechanistic observations help explain why arthralgia appears on product labels, even though most users do not experience it. ^{[1] [2]}

When to be concerned

• Mild, new joint aches without swelling: This may be a medication side effect and often improves with time or dose adjustment. ^[2]
• Joint pain with swelling, fever, rash, shortness of breath, or general illness: This could signal a hypersensitivity or inflammatory reaction and needs prompt medical evaluation. Labels note that ACE inhibitors have been associated with systemic hypersensitivity features such as rash, fever, and vasculitis in rare cases. ^[1]
• Severe abdominal pain, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing: This can indicate angioedema, a medical emergency linked to ACE inhibitors; stop the drug and seek immediate care. Patients are instructed to stop the medication and get urgent help if swelling or breathing trouble appears. ^{[7] [8]}

What to do if joint pain occurs

1. Monitor and document symptoms. Note the timing of pain relative to starting or changing lisinopril, which joints are affected, presence of swelling, stiffness, morning symptoms, and any associated fever or rash. A clear timeline helps clinicians distinguish a benign side effect from a separate joint disease. ^[1]
2. Discuss with your clinician before stopping. Many side effects are manageable; your clinician may suggest watchful waiting, dose adjustment, or switching to another blood pressure medication if symptoms persist or worsen. Because joint pain is listed but not among the most frequent reactions, a personalized risk‑benefit review is appropriate rather than abrupt discontinuation. ^{[4] [2]}
3. Rule out other causes. Overuse injuries, viral illness, autoimmune disease, statins, diuretics, or gout can also cause joint pain. Your clinician may check for redness, warmth, range of motion, and order basic labs (e.g., inflammatory markers) if symptoms are significant. ^[1]
4. Symptom relief options. If your clinician agrees, simple measures like rest, ice/heat, and short courses of acetaminophen may help; nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be used cautiously in people with high blood pressure or kidney concerns. Because ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs together can affect kidney function, professional guidance is important. ^[4]
5. Seek urgent care for red flags. If you develop swelling of the face/tongue, trouble breathing, or severe systemic symptoms, stop lisinopril and get emergency help. This aligns with safety instructions for ACE inhibitors regarding angioedema. ^{[7] [8]}

Comparison at a glance

Topic	What official sources say	What it means for you
Does lisinopril cause joint pain?	Arthralgia and muscle/joint pain are listed adverse reactions. [1] [2] [3]	It can happen, though not commonly.
How common?	Not highlighted among the most frequent lisinopril side effects; musculoskeletal events are generally less common than cough/dizziness in trials. [4]	Likely infrequent, but possible.
Serious signs to watch	Hypersensitivity features (rash, fever), vasculitis, and especially any angioedema symptoms. [1] [7] [8]	Seek medical care promptly if these occur.
Next steps	Monitor, discuss with clinician, consider dose change or alternative if persistent. [4] [2]	Do not stop suddenly without guidance unless severe symptoms occur.

Bottom line

Lisinopril can cause joint pain in some people, but it appears to be an uncommon side effect compared with well‑known reactions like cough. If you notice new or worsening joint pain after starting lisinopril, it’s reasonable to track your symptoms and discuss them with your clinician; many cases can be observed or managed, and a change in therapy can be considered if the pain persists or is disruptive. ^{[4] [2]} If your joint pain is accompanied by swelling, rash, fever, or any signs of angioedema (facial swelling, trouble breathing), seek medical attention promptly and follow emergency guidance to stop the medication. ^{[1] [7] [8]}