What Is Qbrelis?

Qbrelis is the brand name for Lisinopril oral solution, a liquid medication used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack. It's made by Azurity Pharmaceuticals and was FDA-approved on April 29, 2016.

Unlike Lisinopril tablets (sold as Prinivil or Zestril), Qbrelis comes as a ready-to-use liquid at a concentration of 1 mg/mL in a 150 mL bottle. This makes it the go-to option for patients who cannot swallow tablets — including children, elderly patients, and anyone with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).

Qbrelis belongs to a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors). To understand how it works in your body, see How Does Qbrelis Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.

What Is Qbrelis Used For?

Qbrelis is FDA-approved for three conditions:

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Qbrelis is approved to treat high blood pressure in adults and children 6 years and older. High blood pressure is sometimes called the "silent killer" because it often has no symptoms but can lead to heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage over time. Qbrelis helps lower blood pressure to reduce these risks.

2. Heart Failure

Qbrelis is used as an add-on treatment for heart failure, usually alongside diuretics and other medications. ACE inhibitors like Qbrelis help the heart pump more efficiently by reducing the workload on the heart.

3. Survival After Heart Attack

In patients who are medically stable after a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction), Qbrelis can improve survival. Treatment is typically started within 24 hours of the heart attack.

Qbrelis Dosage

Dosing depends on your condition, age, and kidney function. Always follow your doctor's instructions. Here are the typical doses:

High Blood Pressure in Adults

• Starting dose: 10 mg (10 mL) once daily
• Maintenance dose: 20-40 mg once daily
• Maximum dose: 80 mg per day

High Blood Pressure in Children (6 years and older)

• Starting dose: 0.07 mg/kg once daily (up to 5 mg)
• Dose is adjusted based on the child's response

Heart Failure

• Starting dose: 2.5-5 mg once daily
• Target dose: 20-40 mg once daily

After Heart Attack

• 5 mg within 24 hours of the event
• 5 mg after 24 hours
• 10 mg after 48 hours
• Then 10 mg once daily for 6 weeks

How to Take Qbrelis

Taking Qbrelis correctly is important for it to work properly:

• Take it by mouth once daily, with or without food.
• Use a proper measuring device — a dosing syringe or medicine cup. Do not use a kitchen spoon, as it won't give you the right dose.
• Take it at the same time each day to help you remember.
• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze Qbrelis.
• Don't stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Important Safety Information

Boxed Warning: Pregnancy

Qbrelis carries the FDA's most serious warning: it can cause injury and death to an unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking Qbrelis, stop taking it and call your doctor right away.

Who Should Not Take Qbrelis

Do not take Qbrelis if you:

• Have ever had angioedema (severe swelling) from an ACE inhibitor
• Have hereditary or idiopathic angioedema
• Are pregnant
• Take Aliskiren and have diabetes
• Have taken a neprilysin inhibitor (like Sacubitril, found in Entresto) within the last 36 hours

Tell Your Doctor If You Have:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• High potassium levels
• Plans to have surgery

For a complete list of medications to avoid, see Qbrelis Drug Interactions. For side effect information, read Qbrelis Side Effects: What to Expect.

Qbrelis vs. Lisinopril Tablets

Qbrelis and Lisinopril tablets contain the same active ingredient. The key differences are:

The liquid form of Qbrelis is essential for patients who cannot take tablets. However, the much higher cost means insurance often requires prior authorization before covering it. Learn about savings options in our guide to Qbrelis coupons and discounts.

How to Get Qbrelis

Because Qbrelis is a specialty medication, not all pharmacies carry it. Here's how to get it:

1. Get a prescription from your doctor. See how to find a doctor who can prescribe Qbrelis.
2. Find a pharmacy that has it in stock. Use MedFinder.com to check availability near you, or read our guide on how to check pharmacy stock.
3. Check for savings. Azurity Pharmaceuticals offers a copay assistance card for eligible patients.

If you're having trouble finding Qbrelis, read why Qbrelis is hard to find and explore alternatives to Qbrelis. For the latest supply information, check our Qbrelis shortage update.

The Bottom Line

Qbrelis is a unique and important medication — the only FDA-approved, ready-to-use Lisinopril oral solution on the market. It's a lifeline for patients who can't swallow pills but need an ACE inhibitor for blood pressure, heart failure, or post-heart attack care.

While it can be expensive and harder to find than Lisinopril tablets, tools like MedFinder and savings programs can help. Talk to your doctor about whether Qbrelis is right for you or your child.