Based on PubMed | Is nausea a common side effect of lisinopril, and what steps should I take if I experience it?

Nausea with Lisinopril: How Common It Is and What To Do

Nausea can occur with lisinopril, and it is generally considered a known but non‑serious side effect for many people. Medications in this class (ACE inhibitors) commonly list nausea along with cough, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, and tiredness as effects that may happen and often improve over time. ^[1] Nausea has been frequent enough in clinical experience that, in large patient groups, it has occasionally led to stopping the drug, though most people can continue with monitoring. ^[2]

How common is nausea?

• In large clinical experience with thousands of people on lisinopril for high blood pressure, nausea was among the most frequently reported side effects, along with headache, dizziness, cough, diarrhea, and fatigue. ^[2]
• Official patient information for lisinopril lists nausea as a side effect that may occur and usually goes away as your body adjusts. ^[1]

When nausea needs urgent attention

Most nausea is mild, but certain warning signs mean you should seek immediate medical help because they can signal rare but serious problems:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; hoarseness; trouble breathing or swallowing (possible angioedema). ^[1]
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, severe tiredness, or upper stomach pain (possible liver problem). ^[3]
• Fainting or severe lightheadedness, especially if you’ve had vomiting or diarrhea, which can lead to low blood pressure and dehydration. ^{[3] [4]}

Practical steps if you experience nausea

• Give it a little time and monitor: Mild nausea often improves as your body adjusts, especially in the first days to weeks. ^[1]
• Take lisinopril the same time each day, and consider taking it with food if your prescriber says that’s acceptable, as food can sometimes ease stomach upset. (General supportive advice; not a substitute for prescriber guidance.)
• Stay hydrated: If you’re losing fluids from nausea or occasional vomiting, drink small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration solution to reduce the risk of low blood pressure. ^[4]
• Avoid excess alcohol and large, spicy, or fatty meals, which can worsen nausea. (General supportive advice.)
• Check your blood pressure if you can: Nausea with dehydration can lower blood pressure and make you dizzy. ^[4]
• Call your clinician if nausea is moderate to severe, persistent, or affects eating or daily activities; dose timing adjustments, evaluation for other causes, or a medication change may be considered. ^[1]

Rare but important gastrointestinal issue to know

ACE inhibitors, including lisinopril, can very rarely cause angioedema of the bowel, which presents with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea; symptoms usually resolve after stopping the medication once the diagnosis is recognized. ^{[5] [6]} If you have persistent or severe abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting, especially if it starts after beginning lisinopril, you should be evaluated promptly. ^{[5] [6]}

Summary

• Nausea is a recognized side effect of lisinopril and often improves with time. ^[1]
• Seek urgent care for red‑flag symptoms like facial or throat swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, jaundice, severe lightheadedness/fainting, or severe persistent abdominal pain with vomiting. ^{[1] [3] [4] [5] [6]}
• For mild nausea, supportive measures and monitoring are reasonable, but contact your clinician if it doesn’t settle or is impacting your daily life. ^[1]

Quick reference table

Topic	Key points
Is nausea expected?	Listed among common, usually non‑serious side effects; often improves over time. [1] [2]
Urgent warning signs	Facial/throat swelling, breathing/swallowing trouble, jaundice/dark urine, severe lightheadedness/fainting, severe abdominal pain with vomiting. [1] [3] [4] [5] [6]
Self‑care tips	Take consistently (consider with food if allowed), hydrate, avoid triggers (alcohol, heavy/spicy/fatty meals), monitor BP if possible. [4]
When to call your clinician	If nausea is persistent, worsening, or limits eating/activities; may need evaluation or medication change. [1]

If you’d like, I can help you think through your specific symptoms, how long you’ve been on lisinopril, and any other medicines or conditions that might be contributing.