Zestoretic (Lisinopril)

Description

Zestoretic is a combination medication that is used to treat high blood pressure. The two main ingredients of Zestoretic are Lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide.

 

Uses

 

Zestoric is prescribed when one, singular medication has no effect on high blood pressure. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels, enabling the blood to flow with greater ease, and thus, reducing the stress placed on your heart. Hydrochlorothiazide is thiazide diuretic that allows the body to get rid of excess salt and water, allowing for the decrease in fluid retention in the body.

 

A lowering of high blood pressure lessens the possibility of the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes.

 

Dosage

 

Follow the dosage that your physician has prescribed. Do not increase or decrease your prescribed dosage without consulting your doctor. Your dosage of Zestoric will depend upon your previous response to the monotherapy of either hydrochlorothiazide or Lisinopril.

 

The recommended dosage for adults is Lisinopril/HCTZ 10/12.5 (10 mg of Lisinopril and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide) or Lisinopril/HCTZ 20/12.5 (20 mg of Lisinopril and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide).

 

Zestoric should be taken once daily, preferably in the morning, by mouth as prescribed. As this drug is a diuretic you should take it at least 4 hours prior to sleeping to avoid discomfort.

 

If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you realize. If the following dose is due soon, disregard the missed dose and take your scheduled dosage instead. Do not take two doses together.

 

In the case of overdose, call emergency medical services.

 

Drink sufficient fluids while taking this medication to prevent dehydration.

 

 

Side Effects

 

The most common side effects while taking Zestoric were:

 

 Dizziness
 Headache
 Cough
 Fatigue
 Low blood pressure

 

Less common side effects were:

 

 Blurred vision
 Vomiting
 Diarrhea
 Body pain
 Fever
 Sneezing
 Blocked nose
 Throat ache
 Blocked ear
 Sweating
 Gastric problems (belching, indigestion, stomach pain)
 Heartburn
 Muscle cramps
 Rash
 Lowered libido

 

Call your physician should you experience any of these symptoms.

 

The consumption of alcohol may increase the prospect of side effects.

 

 

 

 

Contraindications

 

 Refrain from using Zestoretic if pregnant or breastfeeding. Zesoteric can cause serious side effects and even fatalities in fetuses. If you become pregnant while taking Zestoretic, contact your doctor immediately.

 

 Do not take this drug if you have previously been allergic to either Lisinopril (or any other ACE inhibitor) or hydrochlorothiazide.

 

 Do not take Zestoretic in case you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

 

 Refrain from taking any potassium supplements or salt substitutes while on the medication, unless prescribed by a doctor.

 

 If you are aware that you have hereditary angioedema or are unable to urinate, do not use Zestoretic.

 

 Inform your physician if you have diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, heart disease, allergies, an intolerance to penicillin, or have had an organ transplant. The presence of these pre-existing conditions may not allow you to take Zestoretic.

 

 Certain vitamins and herbal supplements may negatively interact with this drug. Inform your doctor of all the medication, both prescribed and over-the-counter, that you are taking.