PTCE Top 200 · #4

Lisinopril

Prinivil

Lisinopril is the generic name for the brand-name drug Prinivil. It is an ace inhibitor used to treat hypertension, HF. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Lisinopril ranks #4 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.

Generic nameLisinopril
Brand name(s)Prinivil
Drug classACE inhibitor
Class groupCardiovascular
Common usehypertension, HF
DEA scheduleUnscheduled
AvailabilityPrescription only (Rx)

What is Lisinopril used for?

ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension; also used in heart failure and after certain heart attacks to improve outcomes.

What drug class is Lisinopril?

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.

Common side effects of Lisinopril

Major interactions

Is Lisinopril a controlled substance?

No. Lisinopril is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

warning Boxed warning

BOXED WARNING: Fetal toxicity—discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected.

How to remember Lisinopril (PTCE mnemonic)

Lisino-PRIL = ACE. The 'PRIL price': dry Cough, Angioedema, no Pregnancy, watch K+ and creatinine.
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PTCE exam tip

The big exam trap: lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor (-pril), while losartan is an ARB (-sartan). Both lower blood pressure, but only ACE inhibitors are known for a dry cough.

Lisinopril FAQ

What is the brand name for Lisinopril?

The brand name for Lisinopril is Prinivil.

What is Lisinopril used for?

Lisinopril is used to treat hypertension, HF. ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension; also used in heart failure and after certain heart attacks to improve outcomes.

What drug class is Lisinopril?

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor (Cardiovascular group).

Is Lisinopril a controlled substance?

No. Lisinopril is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group

Drill Lisinopril the way the PTCE asks it

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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).