Based on NIH | Can lisinopril cause a skin rash, and what should I do if I develop one while taking it?

Yes lisinopril can cause a skin rash in some people. A rash is listed among the more common side effects, and while it is often mild, any new rash while taking an ACE inhibitor like lisinopril deserves attention because, rarely, more serious hypersensitivity reactions (including angioedema swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) can occur. ^[1] Medications in this class advise stopping the drug and contacting a clinician promptly if any rash develops, since skin reactions can sometimes signal allergy. ^{[2] [3]}

How common and what it looks like

• Mild rashes with ACE inhibitors are typically maculopapular (flat/red spots and small bumps) and may appear within the first weeks of therapy, though timing can vary. ^[4]
• “Rash” is listed among side effects that may go away on their own, but monitoring is important. ^[1]
• Serious warning signs include fever, blisters, sores in the mouth or eyes, and any swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat or trouble breathing these suggest hypersensitivity or angioedema and require urgent evaluation. ^{[1] [5]}

What to do if you develop a rash on lisinopril

• Stop lisinopril and contact your prescriber as soon as possible for advice, even if the rash seems mild. ^{[2] [3]}
• Seek emergency care (call local emergency number) if you notice swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or fainting these can indicate angioedema and airway risk. ^{[5] [1]}
• For mild, non-serious rashes, clinicians sometimes use short-term antihistamines and reassess whether to discontinue the ACE inhibitor; decisions depend on severity and clinical context. ^[4]

Why this matters: angioedema risk

• ACE inhibitors, including lisinopril, can cause angioedema at any time during treatment, not just after the first dose. ^[5]
• Angioedema typically involves swelling of the lips, oral mucosa, or face and can resolve after stopping the drug; however, airway involvement is an emergency that may require epinephrine and airway support. ^{[6] [7]}
• Certain groups have a higher observed risk of ACE inhibitor–related angioedema (for example, individuals of African descent), so extra vigilance is advised. ^[8]

Typical management steps your clinician may consider

• Confirm the severity and likely cause of the rash; rule out other triggers (new soaps, foods, other medications).
• For mild eruptions: consider symptomatic treatment (e.g., oral antihistamines) and determine whether to discontinue lisinopril or switch therapy. ^[4]
• For any angioedema or serious hypersensitivity features: immediately and permanently discontinue the ACE inhibitor. ^[5]
• Consider switching to a different blood pressure class, often an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), with caution and close follow-up, especially if angioedema occurred. ^[9]

Quick action checklist

• New rash while on lisinopril: stop the medication and call your clinician for guidance. ^{[2] [3]}
• Red flags face/tongue/throat swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, chest pain, or fainting: seek emergency care now. ^{[5] [1]}

At‑a‑glance summary

Topic	Key points
Can lisinopril cause rash?	Yes; rash is a known side effect of lisinopril. [1]
Typical rash features	Often mild, maculopapular; can occur early in treatment, but timing varies. [4]
When to stop the drug	Any rash warrants stopping the medication and contacting a clinician promptly. [2] [3]
Emergency signs	Swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, breathing or swallowing trouble, hoarseness. [5] [1]
Angioedema notes	Can occur anytime; airway involvement is an emergency and may require epinephrine and airway management. [5] [7]
Next steps	Clinician may provide antihistamines for mild rash and consider switching to another blood pressure medicine if needed. [4]

Taking these steps helps balance safety with effective blood pressure control, and your prescriber can guide whether to continue, adjust, or change therapy based on your symptoms and risk factors. ^{[4] [1]}