Can lisinopril give you diarrhea?: A Guide to this Potential Side Effect

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

Diarrhea is a documented, though less common, side effect of the blood pressure medication lisinopril, affecting some users. While generally mild and temporary, understanding this potential gastrointestinal reaction is important for patients taking the medication.

Quick Summary

Lisinopril can cause diarrhea, though the incidence is relatively modest compared to other side effects. This gastrointestinal issue is typically mild but requires medical evaluation if persistent or severe. Rare cases of severe diarrhea may signal a serious condition called intestinal angioedema.

Key Points

Diarrhea is a possible side effect: Lisinopril is known to cause gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, although it is not considered one of the most common side effects.
Severity is usually mild: In most cases, diarrhea from lisinopril is mild and temporary, often improving as your body adjusts to the medication.
Intestinal angioedema is a rare risk: In rare instances, severe abdominal pain and diarrhea could signal intestinal angioedema, a serious swelling in the intestinal wall that requires immediate medical attention.
Stay hydrated and manage diet: Proper hydration is critical to counteract the effects of diarrhea. Taking lisinopril with food may also help reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Know when to seek medical help: Contact your doctor if diarrhea is severe, doesn't go away, or is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, or other concerning symptoms.
Never stop medication abruptly: Do not stop taking lisinopril on your own. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Can Lisinopril Cause Diarrhea?

Yes, lisinopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, can cause diarrhea as a side effect. While not one of the most frequently reported adverse effects like a dry cough or dizziness, gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain are known to occur. In most instances, the diarrhea is mild to moderate and often resolves as the body adjusts to the medication. However, it is crucial to recognize that persistent or severe diarrhea could be a symptom of a more serious, albeit rare, complication.

The Incidence and Nature of Lisinopril-Induced Diarrhea

According to clinical studies and drug information, diarrhea falls into the 'less common' category of lisinopril side effects. Some sources categorize it as occurring in 1% to 10% of users, alongside other gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. The severity can vary, and it may be more noticeable when a patient first starts the medication or after a dosage increase.

Potential Causes of Diarrhea on Lisinopril

The exact mechanism by which lisinopril causes diarrhea is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute:

Mild gastrointestinal upset: The body's adjustment to a new medication can lead to temporary digestive disturbances. This is often the case with many prescription drugs.
Electrolyte and fluid imbalance: Lisinopril affects the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, which can disrupt normal bowel function. Excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea itself can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to lightheadedness and fainting.
Intestinal Angioedema: In extremely rare but serious cases, lisinopril can cause intestinal angioedema, a condition involving swelling in the intestinal wall. Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and discontinuation of the medication. It's important to note that this can happen at any point during treatment, even years after starting lisinopril.

Management Strategies for Mild Diarrhea

If you experience mild diarrhea after starting lisinopril, several strategies can help manage the symptoms:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, such as water, to prevent dehydration, which can be dangerous when on a blood pressure medication.
Adjust Your Diet: Consuming bland, easy-to-digest foods can help settle your stomach. It's best to avoid spicy, greasy, or fatty foods until your symptoms improve.
Take with Food: Taking your lisinopril dose with food may help to lessen the gastrointestinal irritation and reduce the risk of diarrhea.
Consult Your Doctor: While over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications are available, you should always speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking them, as they could interact with your medication.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

While mild diarrhea may resolve on its own, it's essential to know when to seek medical advice. You should contact your doctor if:

The diarrhea is severe or persistent and does not improve.
You experience signs of dehydration, such as dark-colored urine, excessive thirst, or decreased urination.
Diarrhea is accompanied by severe or unusual abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
You notice any signs of intestinal angioedema, such as severe abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits.

Lisinopril Side Effects: A Comparison


Side Effect Category	Common Examples	Less Common / Transient Examples	Rare / Serious Examples
Cardiovascular	Dizziness, headache, fatigue	Orthostatic hypotension, chest pain	Severely low blood pressure, heart attack
Gastrointestinal	Nausea	Diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation	Intestinal angioedema, liver damage, pancreatitis
Respiratory	Dry, persistent cough	Runny or stuffy nose	Allergic alveolitis, laryngeal swelling
Systemic / Allergic	Unusual tiredness, weakness	Mild skin rash or itching	Angioedema (face, lips, tongue), severe skin reactions

Conclusion

While lisinopril is an effective medication for many people, it can cause a range of side effects, including diarrhea. For most, this gastrointestinal disturbance is mild and temporary, resolving as the body adapts to the drug. However, if diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it could indicate a more serious condition like intestinal angioedema. It is always important to communicate with your doctor about any side effects experienced while taking lisinopril. They can help determine the cause and provide guidance on managing symptoms, potentially adjusting your dosage or recommending an alternative medication if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diarrhea is considered a less common or uncommon side effect of lisinopril, not affecting a large percentage of users. While some studies list it as an adverse event, the incidence is modest compared to more frequently reported issues like a dry cough or dizziness.

To manage mild diarrhea, it is important to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Eating bland foods and avoiding spicy or greasy meals can also help. Taking your lisinopril dose with food may also lessen the symptoms.

Yes, taking lisinopril with food can help mitigate gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea. It is not required to take it with food, but it can be a helpful strategy if you experience digestive issues.

You should contact your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not go away, or if it is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits. These could be signs of a serious condition and require medical evaluation.

Yes, although very rare, severe and persistent abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea can be a sign of intestinal angioedema, a serious swelling of the bowel wall caused by lisinopril. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention.

For most people, mild digestive side effects like diarrhea are temporary and improve as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor.

Besides diarrhea, other gastrointestinal side effects can occur, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, upset stomach, and, in rare cases, pancreatitis. If you experience any concerning digestive symptoms, discuss them with your healthcare provider.