/drug-combination-safety
Can you take Metformin with Lisinopril?
Not medical advice. Speak with a healthcare professional before using any medication.
Unsure about combining medications?
Feel confident about your treatment — learn what’s safe.
Contact UsCan you take Metformin with Lisinopril?
Metformin and lisinopril are not generally expected to have a clinically significant direct interaction for most people. According to Lexicomp, no major pharmacokinetic interaction has been identified between these two medications. They treat different conditions—blood sugar and blood pressure—and individual factors such as kidney function, liver function, other medications, and overall health history matter; a prescriber or pharmacist should assess your specific situation before and during concurrent use.
How each medication works
Per FDA-approved labeling, metformin lowers blood sugar by improving how your body uses insulin and reducing glucose production in the liver. Per prescribing information, lisinopril lowers blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II production, relaxing blood vessels, and helping the kidneys regulate fluid and salt balance.
These pathways act on different systems. One works on glucose metabolism, the other on the renin-angiotensin system. Because they act through different mechanisms, they are not generally expected to alter each other's primary effectiveness.
What is worth paying attention to
- Kidney function: Per FDA-approved labeling, both medications rely on adequate renal function. Metformin is renally cleared, and lisinopril may affect glomerular filtration pressure. Most people tolerate this without issue, but your clinician will typically monitor kidney labs periodically when these medicines are used together.
- Hydration: Adequate hydration helps both drugs clear through the kidneys. During periods of acute illness, vomiting, or heavy sweating, your clinician may advise temporarily holding one or both medications.
- Blood pressure and blood sugar: Per prescribing information, lisinopril does not lower glucose, and metformin does not lower blood pressure, so they are not generally expected to push each other's parameters too low through a direct mechanism.
When to reach out
Contact your prescriber or pharmacist if you notice unusual fatigue, dizziness, swelling, or a sudden drop in urine output. These symptoms are uncommon but warrant clinical evaluation.
For many people, metformin and lisinopril are used together as part of a broader plan to protect long-term heart and kidney function. A clinician familiar with your history can determine whether and how this combination is appropriate for you.
Side Effects of Taking Metformin with Lisinopril
Common
Mild
Mild Low Blood Sugar
Per FDA-approved labeling, metformin alone rarely causes hypoglycemia; however, adding lisinopril may in some individuals contribute to feeling shaky, sweaty, or lightheaded, especially if meals are skipped. Consult a clinician if symptoms persist or recur.
Normally lasts for:
0.5–2 hours
Occasional
Mild
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Per prescribing information, both medications may lower blood pressure. Together this may lead to temporary dizziness, particularly when standing up quickly. Consult a clinician if symptoms persist or interfere with daily activities.
Normally lasts for:
1–3 hours
Common
Mild
Digestive Upset
Per FDA-approved labeling, metformin commonly causes nausea, bloating, or loose stools, particularly at the start of treatment. Lisinopril does not typically worsen these effects, though taking both may make normal metformin-related stomach effects more noticeable for some individuals. Consult a clinician if symptoms persist or become difficult to manage.
Normally lasts for:
2–6 hours
Occasional
Mild
Fatigue
Per prescribing information, some people feel more tired than usual early in treatment as the body adjusts to improved blood pressure and blood sugar control. Consult a clinician if fatigue is persistent or severe.
Normally lasts for:
2–4 hours
Occasional
Moderate
Cough
Per FDA-approved labeling, lisinopril may trigger a dry, persistent cough in some people due to its ACE inhibitor mechanism. Metformin does not cause or prevent this effect. Consult a clinician if the cough is persistent, as an alternative medication class may be appropriate.
Normally lasts for:
12–48 hours
Rare
Mild
Mild Potassium Increase
Per prescribing information, lisinopril may raise potassium slightly. When combined with metformin, this is not generally associated with significant additive hyperkalemia in most people, but you might notice muscle heaviness or mild cramps if potassium runs elevated. Consult a clinician if symptoms persist, as potassium levels can be checked with a simple blood test.
Normally lasts for:
4–12 hours
Need Help Taking This the Right Way?
Quick, caring advice from pharmacists who know these medications inside out.
What to Do If You Took Metformin with Lisinopril
What to Do If You Took Metformin with Lisinopril
This information is educational, not medical advice. According to Lexicomp, no major pharmacokinetic interaction has been identified between metformin and lisinopril, and this combination is frequently used in clinical practice. However, your prescriber or pharmacist should be your primary point of contact for guidance specific to your health situation.
What to watch for
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Mild stomach upset or softer stools (a known effect of metformin per its labeling)
- Unusual fatigue
Signs that need prompt care
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Fainting
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
If anything feels significantly off or symptoms are worsening, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized guidance. Do not make medication decisions based on this page alone.
Your comfort matters
Let’s talk — we focus on your unique needs, with support you can trust.
What is Metformin
What Metformin Is in the Context of Lisinopril
Per FDA-approved labeling, metformin is a medication that helps the body use insulin more effectively and reduces the amount of glucose the liver releases. It supports steadier blood glucose levels by improving how cells take in and handle glucose.
When someone is also taking lisinopril, a blood pressure medication that per prescribing information helps relax blood vessels and support kidney function, metformin continues its role in improving glucose control. Both medicines may be part of a broader clinical plan addressing different aspects of metabolic health. A prescriber can determine how each fits into an individual's overall care.
What is Lisinopril
Lisinopril in the Context of Taking Metformin
Per prescribing information, lisinopril is used to help manage blood pressure and support kidney health, particularly in people with conditions like diabetes. It belongs to a group called ACE inhibitors, which work by blocking angiotensin II, allowing blood vessels to relax and blood to flow more easily.
When someone is taking metformin for blood sugar control, lisinopril may play a complementary role per clinical guidelines. By supporting kidney circulation and reducing cardiovascular burden, it addresses organ systems that elevated blood glucose can strain over time. A prescriber familiar with both conditions is best positioned to determine whether and how this combination fits a patient's care plan.
Not sure if this combo is right for you?
Talk with us — we’ll walk through your unique situation and support you in feeling confident about your hormone journey.
Got questions? We have answers
Does lisinopril affect metformin blood sugar control?
According to Lexicomp, lisinopril is not generally expected to interfere with metformin's ability to control blood sugar, and no major pharmacokinetic interaction has been identified. That said, both medications rely on adequate kidney function, and individual health factors such as renal status, hydration, and other medications should be assessed by a prescriber or pharmacist.
Contact your clinician promptly if you notice unusual fatigue, rapid swelling, or difficulty breathing, as these may warrant clinical evaluation.
Can you take metformin and lisinopril at the same time of day?
According to Lexicomp, metformin and lisinopril are not known to have a clinically significant pharmacokinetic interaction, and many people take them on a consistent daily schedule. The main clinical consideration is that both are affected by kidney function.
- Metformin per FDA-approved labeling is best tolerated when taken with food.
- Lisinopril per prescribing information can be taken with or without food.
- Contact your clinician if you notice persistent dizziness or signs of low blood pressure.
Follow the dosing instructions provided by your prescriber or on the product label. If anything feels off, a check-in with your clinician or pharmacist is appropriate.
Do metformin and lisinopril together affect kidney function?
According to Lexicomp, these two medications are not generally expected to have a clinically significant interaction, and neither directly harms the kidneys when used appropriately in people with adequate renal function. Per prescribing information, metformin relies on healthy kidneys to clear it, and lisinopril may affect intraglomerular pressure. For many patients, that combination may be protective over the long term under clinical supervision.
Per FDA-approved labeling, dehydration, acute illness, or sudden kidney strain may affect metformin clearance and may temporarily alter how lisinopril behaves. A prescriber should advise on sick-day management.
Contact your clinician if you notice unusual fatigue, swelling, or a significant drop in urine output.
Does taking lisinopril change metformin side effects?
According to Lexicomp, lisinopril is not generally expected to worsen metformin's known side effects such as stomach upset or diarrhea, as these arise through different mechanisms. Per FDA-approved labeling, clinically significant interactions between these two drugs are uncommon in people with adequate kidney function.
The main shared consideration is renal function. Per prescribing information, in rare cases lisinopril may reduce glomerular filtration early in treatment, which may affect metformin clearance. A prescriber should monitor kidney function periodically.
Watch for unusual fatigue, rapid swelling, or significant drops in blood pressure, and consult your clinician or pharmacist with any concerns.
Talk to Your Prescriber About Compounding
Ask your prescriber whether a compounded option is appropriate for you. Contact Voshell's Pharmacy for customized compounding support.
