Is there a generic for Zestril?

Yes — 1 approved generic versions of Zestril (lisinopril) are tracked in our index. Generic substitution is typically automatic at the pharmacy unless the prescriber writes "dispense as written."

How much cheaper is generic lisinopril?

Generic small-molecule drugs typically launch at 60-80% discount to the originator. After multiple manufacturers enter the market (12-24 months post-cliff), prices drop further to 85-95% below originator. Your insurance copay may not reflect the full savings — check the cash price too.

Are generics as effective as the brand?

For small-molecule drugs: yes. Generics are required to demonstrate bioequivalence — identical active ingredient, same dose, same route, same indication. Pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds (±20% AUC + Cmax). Most patients can switch without clinical effect.

When did Zestril go generic?

Generic lisinopril entered the US market when the originator's exclusivity expired. See the patent timeline below for specific dates.

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · How we verify

Zestril generic

Complete generic competition for Zestril (lisinopril): 1 approved generics across manufacturers, 0 filed under FDA review. 12 active patents remain. Sourced from FDA Orange Book + USPTO.

1 approved generics 12 active patents

About Zestril

Zestril (lisinopril) — originally marketed by Generic (originally Merck/AstraZeneca). Class: Thiazide Diuretic [EPC]. First approved 1987-12-29.

Approved generic versions (1)

Generic	Manufacturer	Phase	First approval	Country
Lisinopril Tablets	University of Rochester	marketed

Originator patent timeline

Active patents (12)

2035-11-06 — 9616096 · Method of Use · US
2035-11-06 — 10039800 · Method of Use · US
2035-11-06 — 10406199 · Method of Use · US
2035-11-06 — 12433931 · Method of Use · US
2035-11-06 — 10265370 · Formulation · US
2035-11-06 — 9463183 · Formulation · US
2035-11-06 — 11179434 · Formulation · US
2035-11-06 — 9814751 · Formulation · US
2035-11-06 — 10940177 · Formulation · US
2035-11-06 — 11771733 · Formulation · US
2035-11-06 — 12186360 · Formulation · US
2035-11-06 — 12128083 · Formulation · US

Expired patents (0)

No expired patents tracked.

How small-molecule generic approval works

Generic versions of small-molecule drugs are approved by the FDA via the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) pathway under the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984. Sponsors must demonstrate bioequivalence (pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds) and identical chemical composition — no clinical trials in patients are required. Approval typically takes 18-24 months.

This is different from biosimilars for biologic drugs, which use the more complex 351(k) BLA pathway and typically achieve smaller (15-35%) discounts vs the originator. Small-molecule generics typically launch at 60-80% discount, dropping to 85-95% within 2 years.

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Zestril full drug profile
Biosimilar tracker (for biologic drugs)
Patent cliff tracker
Biosimilar vs generic — what's the difference?