Alternatives to Qbrelis: What to Do When You Can't Fill Your Prescription

If your pharmacy can't fill your Qbrelis prescription, don't panic. There are several alternatives that may work for you or your child. In this guide, we'll cover every option — from other liquid blood pressure medications to compounded solutions and tablet alternatives.

Always talk to your doctor before switching medications. Never stop taking your blood pressure medicine without medical guidance.

What Is Qbrelis and Why Might You Need an Alternative?

Qbrelis is the brand name for Lisinopril oral solution (1 mg/mL). It's an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and post-heart attack care. It's the only FDA-approved ready-made Lisinopril liquid, making it especially important for children and adults who can't swallow tablets.

You might need an alternative because of supply shortages, pharmacy availability issues, high cost, or insurance coverage problems.

Alternative 1: Compounded Lisinopril Oral Suspension

A compounding pharmacy can crush Lisinopril tablets and mix them into a liquid suspension. This is one of the most common alternatives to Qbrelis.

Pros:

• Uses the same active ingredient (Lisinopril)
• Can be customized to the exact concentration and flavor your doctor prescribes
• Often much cheaper than brand-name Qbrelis

Cons:

• Not FDA-approved as a finished product
• Shorter shelf life than Qbrelis (typically 4 weeks)
• Quality depends on the compounding pharmacy
• Not all pharmacies offer compounding services

Alternative 2: Epaned (Enalapril Oral Solution)

Epaned is an FDA-approved oral solution of Enalapril, another ACE inhibitor. Like Qbrelis, it comes as a ready-made liquid and is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

Pros:

• FDA-approved oral solution
• Same drug class (ACE inhibitor) with similar blood pressure-lowering effects
• Available as a liquid for patients who can't swallow pills

Cons:

• Different active ingredient — your doctor will need to adjust the dose
• May also have availability challenges as a specialty product
• Different side effect profile (though similar overall)

Alternative 3: Lisinopril Tablets (Prinivil, Zestril, Generics)

If you or your child can swallow tablets, generic Lisinopril tablets are the easiest and cheapest alternative. They contain the same active ingredient as Qbrelis.

Pros:

• Identical active ingredient
• Extremely affordable — as low as $4 for a 30-day supply
• Available at virtually every pharmacy
• Multiple generic manufacturers ensure consistent supply

Cons:

• Not suitable for patients who can't swallow pills
• Can't be easily split into very small pediatric doses

Alternative 4: Captopril

Captopril is an older ACE inhibitor that can be compounded into an oral solution. It has a shorter duration of action, so it typically needs to be taken 2-3 times daily.

Pros:

• Well-established medication with decades of use
• Can be compounded into a liquid
• Cheaper than Qbrelis

Cons:

• Must be taken multiple times daily (less convenient)
• Taste may be less pleasant
• More frequent dosing may affect adherence

Alternative 5: Losartan Oral Suspension (ARB Class)

If you can't tolerate ACE inhibitors (for example, due to a persistent cough), your doctor might consider an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) like Losartan. Losartan can be compounded into an oral suspension.

Pros:

• Good option for patients who get a cough from ACE inhibitors
• Effective blood pressure reduction
• Can be compounded as a liquid

Cons:

• Different drug class — not a direct substitute for Lisinopril
• Requires a new prescription and doctor's approval
• Compounded form has a limited shelf life

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

When discussing alternatives with your doctor, ask:

• "Which alternative is closest to Qbrelis for my condition?"
• "Will I need dose adjustments when switching?"
• "Is a compounded Lisinopril suspension safe and effective for me?"
• "Are there any reasons I shouldn't switch to a different ACE inhibitor?"

Your doctor can help you choose the best option based on your medical history, age, and ability to take different forms of medication.

Still Want Qbrelis? Try MedFinder

Before switching to an alternative, try finding Qbrelis in stock using MedFinder.com. Our tool checks pharmacy inventory in real time so you can see which pharmacies near you have Qbrelis available. Check out our guide on how to find Qbrelis in stock near you for step-by-step instructions.

If cost is a barrier, read our article on how to save money on Qbrelis for coupons, discounts, and patient assistance programs.

The Bottom Line

If you can't fill your Qbrelis prescription, you have options. Compounded Lisinopril suspension, Epaned, Lisinopril tablets, Captopril, and Losartan suspension are all potential alternatives. Work with your doctor to find the best fit for your situation, and use MedFinder to check Qbrelis availability before making a switch.