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Lisinopril

Prescription
ACE Inhibitor
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Lysine analog of enalaprilat that directly inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), reducing angiotensin II and aldosterone production without requiring hepatic activation (unlike enalapril). Reduces afterload, preload, and cardiac remodeling.

At a glance

Class
ACE Inhibitor
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Alternative to enalapril/benazepril for heart failure and hypertension
Dose
0.25–1 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q24h
🐈

Cat

Used for hypertension and proteinuric nephropathy
Dose
0.25–0.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q24h

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood pressureBUN/creatinineSerum potassiumUrine protein:creatinine ratio

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Meloxicam
moderate
NSAID reduces prostaglandin-mediated renal perfusion, opposing ACE inhibitor renal protection. AKI risk in dehydrated patients.
Management: Monitor BUN/creatinine at 5-7 days. Ensure hydration. Lowest effective NSAID dose.
Furosemide
moderate
First-dose hypotension risk when adding ACE inhibitor to loop diuretic (volume-depleted, activated RAAS).
Management: Start ACE inhibitor at low dose. Monitor blood pressure.

Brands

Other markets

Prinivil
Zestril

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Lisinopril?
Lisinopril is a ace inhibitor used in pets. Lysine analog of enalaprilat that directly inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), reducing angiotensin II and aldosterone production without requiring hepatic activation (unlike enalapril). Reduces afterload, preload, and cardiac remodeling.
›What is Lisinopril used for in pets?
Lisinopril is used in veterinary medicine for: Alternative to enalapril/benazepril for heart failure and hypertension; Used for hypertension and proteinuric nephropathy.
›What is the Lisinopril dose for dogs?
For dogs, Lisinopril is typically dosed as follows — Alternative to enalapril/benazepril for heart failure and hypertension: 0.25–1 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Lisinopril dose for cats?
For cats, Lisinopril is typically dosed as follows — Used for hypertension and proteinuric nephropathy: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Lisinopril need a prescription?
Yes. Lisinopril is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (ACE Inhibitor).

Imidapril
Rx
Prodrug hydrolyzed to active metabolite imidaprilat which inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme. Reduces angiotensin II and aldosterone, decreasing afterload, preload, and cardiac remodeling. Licensed for veterinary use in some countries.
dogcat
Ramipril
Rx
Prodrug converted to ramiprilat; inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, reducing angiotensin II production, decreasing aldosterone secretion, and lowering systemic vascular resistance
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