What Is Qbrelis?

Qbrelis is a brand-name prescription medication containing Lisinopril in an oral solution form. It belongs to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drug class. Qbrelis is FDA-approved to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and children aged 6 and older, heart failure as adjunctive therapy, and to improve survival after a heart attack in hemodynamically stable patients. Originally approved by the FDA on April 29, 2016, Qbrelis was specifically developed as a liquid formulation for patients who cannot swallow tablets, including pediatric patients and adults with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). It is manufactured by Azurity Pharmaceuticals.

How does Qbrelis work?

Qbrelis works by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II — a powerful vasoconstrictor. By blocking this conversion, Qbrelis causes blood vessels to relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure. It also reduces aldosterone secretion, decreasing sodium and water retention. The combined effect reduces cardiac workload, making it beneficial for patients with heart failure and those recovering from a heart attack. The liquid formulation provides the same mechanism of action as Lisinopril tablets but in an easier-to-take form.

What doses are available for Qbrelis?

• Oral solution: 1 mg/mL (150 mL bottle)

Qbrelis is available only as an oral solution, which allows flexible dosing. Typical adult doses for hypertension range from 10 mg to 40 mg once daily (max 80 mg/day). Pediatric dosing starts at 0.07 mg/kg once daily. Your doctor will determine the exact volume to measure based on your prescribed dose.

How hard is it to find Qbrelis in stock?

Qbrelis (Lisinopril oral solution) scores a 40 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it can be quite difficult to locate. As a specialty oral solution manufactured solely by Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Qbrelis is not routinely stocked at most retail pharmacies. Patients may need to call multiple pharmacies or use a specialty pharmacy to obtain it. Intermittent supply disruptions have been reported due to its niche formulation and single-manufacturer status. Using Medfinder can save you significant time by identifying pharmacies that currently have Qbrelis in stock near you.

Who Can Prescribe Qbrelis?

Qbrelis can be prescribed by a range of healthcare providers, including:

• Primary care physicians (Internal Medicine, Family Medicine) — most commonly for hypertension management
• Cardiologists — for heart failure and post-heart attack treatment
• Pediatric cardiologists and pediatricians — for pediatric hypertension (Qbrelis is specifically designed for children who need a liquid form)
• Nephrologists — for kidney-protective benefits in patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease

Qbrelis can also be prescribed via telehealth appointments, as ACE inhibitors are commonly managed remotely for blood pressure control.

Is Qbrelis a controlled substance?

No, Qbrelis is not a controlled substance. It has no DEA schedule classification and carries no risk of abuse or dependence. You do not need a special prescription to obtain it, though it does require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Refills are straightforward and it can be prescribed via telehealth.

Common Side Effects of Qbrelis

• Dry, persistent cough — the most well-known ACE inhibitor side effect, affecting up to 10–15% of patients
• Dizziness — especially when standing up quickly
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) — particularly after the first dose or with dose increases

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), acute kidney injury, and severe hypotension. Qbrelis also carries an FDA boxed warning about fetal toxicity — it must be discontinued immediately if pregnancy is detected.

Alternative Medications to Qbrelis

If you're having trouble finding Qbrelis or need a more affordable option, consider discussing these alternatives with your doctor:

• Lisinopril tablets (Prinivil, Zestril) — The same active ingredient in tablet form at a fraction of the cost ($4–$15 for 30 tablets). Tablets can sometimes be crushed or compounded into a liquid if needed.
• Enalapril / Epaned — Another ACE inhibitor that is also available as an FDA-approved oral solution (Epaned), making it a direct liquid alternative.
• Captopril — An ACE inhibitor that can be compounded into an oral solution by specialty pharmacies.
• Losartan oral suspension — An ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) that can be compounded into a liquid form, suitable for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to cough or angioedema.

Drug Interactions with Qbrelis

Qbrelis can interact with several medications and substances:

• Aliskiren (Tekturna) — contraindicated in patients with diabetes; increases risk of kidney problems and hyperkalemia
• ARBs (Losartan, Valsartan, etc.) — dual RAAS blockade increases risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and kidney injury
• Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto) — must not be used within 36 hours of Qbrelis due to severe angioedema risk
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (Spironolactone, Eplerenone) — increased hyperkalemia risk
• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen) — may reduce Qbrelis effectiveness and increase kidney damage risk
• Lithium — Qbrelis can increase lithium blood levels, leading to toxicity
• Gold injections — risk of nitritoid reactions (flushing, nausea, low blood pressure)

Also avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium unless directed by your doctor. Always inform your provider of all medications you take.

Final Thoughts on Qbrelis

Qbrelis fills an important niche as the only FDA-approved Lisinopril oral solution, making ACE inhibitor therapy accessible to children, elderly patients, and anyone who has difficulty swallowing tablets. However, its specialty status, single manufacturer (Azurity Pharmaceuticals), and high retail price ($690–$800) make it challenging to find and afford. If you have commercial insurance, the Azurity copay assistance card may bring your cost to as little as $0. For patients who can take tablets, generic Lisinopril at $4–$15 is a far more affordable and widely available option. If you're struggling to find Qbrelis in stock, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies that have it available near you.