Drug Name

Zestril (Lisinopril)

 Drug Uses

Zestril is used for treating high blood pressure alone or with other medicines. It is used along with other medicines to manage heart failure or improve survival after a heart attack. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

 How Taken

Use Zestril as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Zestril may be taken with or without food.
• Do not take 2 doses at once.

 Drug Class and Mechanism

Zestril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by relaxing blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and helps the heart to pump blood more easily.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Store at the room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children.

 Warnings/Precautions

Store at the room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not use Zestril if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine;
• you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness), including angioedema caused by treatment with an ACE inhibitor;
• you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy;
• the patient is a child with severe kidney problems.

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Zestril may cause a serious side effect called angioedema. Contact your doctor at once if you develop swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness.
• Zestril may not work as well in black patients. They may also be at greater risk of developing angioedema. 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 health care provider at once if any of these occur.
• Rarely, Zestril may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. This risk may be greater if you have certain other health problems (eg, kidney problems, collagen vascular disease). Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• 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.
• Diabetes patients- Zestril may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests, including blood pressure, blood electrolyte levels, heart function, or kidney or liver function, may be performed while you use Zestril . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Zestril with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Pregnancy and brest-feeding: Zestril may cause birth defects or fetal death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Zestril is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zestril.

 Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• cough; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; tiredness.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the hands, eyes, mouth, face, lips, or tongue; hoarseness); chest pain; dark urine; decreased urination; difficulty swallowing; infection (eg, fever, chills, persistent sore throat); irregular or slow heartbeat; stomach pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); symptoms of low blood pressure (eg, fainting, severe dizziness, lightheadedness); yellowing of the skin or eyes.

 More Information

Zestril is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.