Lisinopril Interactions

Potassium-based salt substitutes (potassium chloride replacing sodium chloride) can deliver hundreds of milligrams of potassium per teaspoon. Combined with lisinopril's impairment of renal potassium excretion, this combination has caused multiple documented cases of life-threatening hyperkalemia, including cardiac arrest.

Lisinopril blocks the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, reducing aldosterone secretion and impairing the kidneys' ability to excrete potassium. Adding potassium supplements on top of this can push serum potassium into dangerous territory, especially in older adults or those with reduced kidney function.

Glycyrrhizin in licorice mimics aldosterone, causing the kidneys to retain sodium and water and excrete potassium. This raises blood pressure and directly opposes lisinopril's antihypertensive effect, while also driving hypokalemia that can complicate other cardiovascular risks.

Salt substitutes are typically potassium chloride and can deliver hundreds of milligrams of potassium per small serving. Lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors reduce aldosterone and decrease potassium excretion. Combining them can cause clinically significant hyperkalemia, particularly with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or other potassium-raising drugs.

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that reduces aldosterone and increases serum potassium. Combined with high dietary potassium from bananas and other potassium-rich foods, this can cause hyperkalemia, particularly in patients with reduced kidney function or those also taking potassium-sparing diuretics.