Zestril

Generic name: Lisinopril

What is Zestril?

Zestril is a type of blood pressure lowering medication known as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Zestril is used to lower your blood pressure when taken alone or in combination with other medications. Zestril may be used alone or with other medicines to manage heart failure or improve survival after a heart attack.

What is the most important information I should know about Zestril?

If taken during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, Zestril can cause serious harm or even death to an unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking Zestril, stop taking Zestril immediately and tell your doctor right away.

Zestril can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction leading to extreme swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or gut (causing severe abdominal pain). You may have an increased risk of experiencing these symptoms if you have ever had an allergy to ACE inhibitor-type medicines or if you are African American. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away.

Zestril may rarely cause a yellowing of the skin or eyes, which can be a sign of liver injury. If this occurs tell your doctor immediately.

Zestril may cause light-headedness or fainting, especially upon standing from a lying or sitting position.

Zestril may decrease your blood levels of infection-fighting white blood cells, especially if you have lupus or kidney disease. If you have these diseases your doctor will most likely monitor you closely by taking regular blood samples.

If you get any type of infection (sore throat/fever) while taking Zestril you should report it to your doctor right away. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections.

Zestril should be taken with caution if you have kidney disease or heart problems.

Zestril may increase the levels of an electrolyte known as potassium in your blood. You should not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Zestril may increase your blood sugar and make medicines that treat diabetes less effective. If you have diabetes, you should monitor your blood sugar frequently and report any changes to your doctor.

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Zestril; this drug may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.

Zestril may not work as well in black patients. They may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.

Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Contact your healthcare provider at once if any of these occur.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Zestril before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

If you have high blood pressure, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Who should not take Zestril?

You should not take Zestril if you have had a previous allergic reaction to Zestril or any other ACE inhibitor, or if you were diagnosed with idiopathic or hereditary angioedema (swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness). Do not take Zestril if you are allergic or sensitive to lisinopril or any other of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Zestril?

Mention all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Zestril. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have diabetes; liver, kidney, or heart disease; blood vessel problems; bone marrow problems; history of stroke, recent heart attack, or kidney transplant; autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma); or if you have ever had an allergy or sensitivity to an ACE inhibitor such as Zestril. In addition, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Acute Myocardial Infarction

Adults: The first dose following an acute myocardial infarction is 5 mg (milligrams), then 5 mg in the next 24 hours; 10 mg is usually given in 48 hours following this, then 10 mg taken once per day thereafter for 6 weeks. This is given to (hemodynamically) stable patients within 24 hours of onset of symptoms associated with a heart attack.

Heart Failure

Adults: The usual starting dose is 5 mg. Your doctor may increase your dose from 5-40 mg taken once a day depending on your individual response. The dose of Zestril can be increased by increments of no greater than 10 mg, at intervals of no less than 2 weeks to the highest tolerated dose, up to a maximum of 40 mg daily. Dose adjustment should be based on the patient's response.

Hypertension

Adults: The usual starting dosage is 10 mg taken once a day. Your individual dose may be increased to 20-40 mg taken as a once-daily dose or in divided doses, based on your response to the medication.

Children 6 years and older: The usual starting dose is .07 mg per 2.2 pounds of bodyweight (up to 5 mg) taken once daily. Dosage should be adjusted according to blood pressure response.

How should I take Zestril?

Zestril can be taken with or without food and should be taken at the same time every day.

What should I avoid while taking Zestril?

You should avoid operating automobiles or heavy machinery until you know how Zestril will affect you. You should avoid becoming very dehydrated because this could cause your blood pressure to drop too low. Drink adequate fluids while taking Zestril. You should not take salt substitutes or supplements containing potassium unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Zestril may cause light-headedness or fainting, especially upon standing from a lying or sitting position.

Take this medication as prescribed by your doctor. Do not alter the dose or stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Avoid taking any diet pills or cold medications without speaking to your doctor because they may alter the effectiveness of Zestril.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Zestril?

If Zestril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zestril with the following: aldosterone blockers, such as eplerenone; aspirin; gold-containing medicines, such as auranofin; lithium; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); oral antidiabetic medicines and insulin; potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone, amiloride, or triamterene; potassium supplements; salt substitutes containing potassium; and thiazide-type diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide.

What are the possible side effects of Zestril?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: low blood pressure, dizziness, diarrhea, chest pain, headache

Zestril can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction leading to extreme swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or gut (causing severe abdominal pain). Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

If you get any type of infection (sore throat/fever) while taking Zestril you should report it to your doctor right away.

Can I receive Zestril if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Zestril should not be taken during pregnancy. Taking Zestril during the second or third trimesters of your pregnancy could cause serious harm or even death to your unborn baby. It is not known if Zestril is excreted in breast milk, so you should not take Zestril if you are nursing unless you are told to by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zestril?

If you miss a dose of Zestril take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Zestril?

Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom.