Zestril is used in the treatment
of high blood pressure. It is effective when used
alone or when combined with other high blood
pressure medications. It may also be used with other
medications in the treatment of heart failure, and
may be given within 24 hours of a heart attack to
improve chances of survival.
Zestril is a type of drug called an ACE
inhibitor. It works by reducing production of a
substance that increases salt and water retention in
your body.
Most important fact about Zestril
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If you have high blood pressure,
you must take lisinopril regularly for it to be
effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually,
it may be several weeks before you get the full
benefit of lisinopril; and you must continue taking
it even if you are feeling well. Lisinopril does not
cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under
control.
How should you take Zestril?
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Lisinopril can be taken with or
without food. Take it exactly as prescribed.
Stopping lisinopril suddenly could cause your blood
pressure to rise.
--If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take 2 doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature, with the container
sealed and dry. Avoid excessive heat or freezing
cold.
What Zestril side effects may occur?
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Side effects cannot be
anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your
doctor can determine if it is safe for you to
continue taking lisinopril.
- More common side effects may include:
Chest pain, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache,
low blood pressure
- Less common or rare side effects may
include:
Abdominal pain, anemia, arm pain, arthritis,
asthma, back pain, blood clot in lungs, blurred
vision, breast pain, bronchitis, changes in sense
of taste, chills, common cold, confusion,
constipation, coughing up blood, cramps in
stomach/intestines, decreased sex drive,
dehydration, diabetes, dizziness on standing,
double vision, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue,
feeling of illness, fever, flu, fluid retention,
flushing, gas, gout, hair loss, heart attack,
heartburn, hepatitis, hip pain, hives, impotence,
inability to sleep or sleeping too much,
incoordination, indigestion, inflamed stomach,
intolerance of light, irregular heartbeat,
irritability, joint pain, kidney trouble or
failure, knee pain, laryngitis, leg pain, little
or no urine, lung cancer, lung inflammation,
memory impairment, muscle pain or cramps, nasal
congestion or inflammation, nausea, neck pain,
nervousness, nosebleed, numbness or tingling,
painful breathing, painful urination, pelvic pain,
pneumonia, prickling or burning sensation, rapid
or fluttery heartbeat, rash, reddening of skin,
respiratory infection, ringing in ears, runny
nose, sensitivity to light, skin infections or
eruptions, shoulder pain, sinus inflammation,
sleepiness, sore throat, spasm, stroke, sweating,
swelling of face or arms and legs, taste
disturbances, thigh pain, tremor, urinary tract
infection, vertigo, virus infection, vision
changes, vomiting, weakness, weight loss or gain,
wheezing, yellow eyes and skin
Why should Zestril not be
prescribed?
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If you are sensitive to or have
ever had an allergic reaction to lisinopril or other
ACE inhibitors such as Capoten, you should not take
this medication. You should also avoid this drug if
you suffered angioedema (swelling of the
face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or legs) during
previous treatment with an ACE inhibitor, or have a
tendency to develop the condition for any other
reason. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug
reactions you have experienced.
Special warnings about Zestril
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If you develop swelling of your
face, lips, tongue, or throat, or of your arms and
legs, or have difficulty swallowing or breathing,
you should contact your doctor immediately. You may
need emergency treatment.
If you are being given bee or wasp venom to guard
against future reactions, you may have a severe
reaction to lisinopril.
If you have congestive heart failure or other
heart problems, a kidney disorder, or a connective
tissue disease such as lupus, you should use this
drug with caution. Your doctor may perform periodic
blood tests while you are taking this medication.
If you are taking lisinopril, a complete
assessment of your kidney function should be done
and kidney function should continue to be monitored.
Lisinopril is used with great caution after a heart
attack if the patient also has kidney problems.
This drug also should be used with caution if you
are on dialysis. There have been reports of extreme
allergic reactions during dialysis in people taking
ACE inhibitor medications such as lisinopril.
If you are taking high doses of a diuretic (water
pill) and lisinopril, you may develop excessively
low blood pressure. This problem is also more likely
if you are being treated for heart failure.
Lisinopril may cause some people to become dizzy,
light-headed, or faint, especially if they have
heart failure or are taking a water pill at the same
time. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or
participate in any hazardous activity that requires
full mental alertness until you are certain
lisinopril does not have this effect on you.
If you develop chest pain, sore throat, fever,
and chills, contact your doctor for medical
attention. It could indicate a more serious
condition.
If your skin and the whites of your eyes turn
yellow, stop taking the medication and contact your
doctor.
Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium.
Limit your consumption of potassium-rich foods such
as bananas, prunes, raisins, orange juice, and whole
and skim milk. Ask your doctor for advice on how
much of these foods to consume.
Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea,
or vomiting could cause you to lose too much water
and cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously.
Possible food and drug
interactions when taking Zestril
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If lisinopril 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
lisinopril with any of the following:
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Lithium (Lithonate, Eskalith)
Potassium preparations such as K-Phos and Micro-K
Water pills such as HydroDIURIL and Lasix, and
others that leave potassium in the body, such as
Aldactone and Midamor
Special Zestril information if you are
pregnant or breastfeeding
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If it is taken during the final 6
months of pregnancy, lisinopril can cause birth
defects, prematurity, and death in the fetus and
newborn. If you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant and are taking lisinopril, contact your
doctor immediately to discuss the potential hazard
to your unborn child. Lisinopril may appear in
breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If
this medication is essential to your health, your
doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding
until your treatment with this medication is
finished.
Recommended Zestril dosage
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ADULTS
High Blood Pressure
For people not on water pills (diuretics), the
initial starting dose is usually 10 milligrams,
taken 1 time a day. Your doctor will increase the
dosage until your blood pressure is under control.
The long-term dosage usually ranges from 20 to 40
milligrams a day, taken in a single dose.
Diuretic use should, if possible, be stopped
before using lisinopril. If not, your physician may
give an initial dose of 5 milligrams under
supervision before any further medication is
prescribed.
People with kidney disorders must be carefully
monitored, and dosages will be adjusted to the
individual's needs, depending on kidney function.
Heart Failure
For this condition, lisinopril is usually prescribed
along with diuretics and digitalis. The recommended
starting dose is 5 milligrams once a day, with the
first dose taken under your doctor's supervision.
The doctor may increase the dose by up to 10
milligrams at intervals of no less than 2 weeks.
Typical long-term dosages range from 5 to 40
milligrams taken once a day.
Heart Attack
The usual dose is 5 milligrams within the first 24
hours after a heart attack, then 5 milligrams 24
hours later, 10 milligrams 48 hours later, and,
finally, 10 milligrams once a day for 6 weeks. If
low blood pressure is a problem, the doctor may
recommend a lower dosage.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of lisinopril in
children have not been established.
OLDER ADULTS
The physician will adjust the dosage carefully,
according to the individual's needs.
Overdosage
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Any medication taken in excess can
cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an
overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
A severe drop in blood pressure is the primary
sign of a lisinopril overdose.
