Zestoretic is the brand name of an antihypertensive drug that contains lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide as its active ingredients. It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) that cannot be controlled by one of these drugs alone.
The improvement of blood flow through the vessels is beneficial to people with congestive heart failure. There is greater supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. The improved blood flow also means there is a less chance of kidney damage caused by high blood pressure in the blood vessels that supply the kidney.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) that helps reduce blood pressure by reducing the amount of water that is retained in the body. These drugs work together to produce a better antihypertensive effect.
Zestoretic is manufactured and marketed in Canada by Astra Zeneca Pharma. It is available in three strengths: 10mg/12.5mg, 10mg/12.5mg, and 20mg/25mg.
Lisinopril works by dilating the blood vessels. It does so by relaxing the muscles of the blood vessels. This helps improve blood flow and hence reduce the pressure in the vessels. Lisinopril belongs to the class of drugs known as ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors prevent the formation of angiotensin II, which is the chemical responsible for causing muscle contraction in the blood vessels. This means that the muscles are relaxed and there is improved blood flow through them.
Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a group of drugs known as thiazide diuretics, and it works by preventing excessive salt absorption. An increase in the concentration of salts in the body would lead to greater water retention and hence an increase in blood pressure. The water released by use of diuretics is excreted by urination.
Zestoretic is the trade name for combination of lisinopril dehydrate and hydrochlorothiazide. There are other generic brands available of the market such as Prinzide 20/12.5 manufactured by Merck, Teva-lisinopril/HcTz manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Sdz-lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide manufactured by Sandoz.
This medication is used to reduce blood pressure. It is prescribed by your doctor as required depending on the particular condition being treated in your specific case. You should take the medication exactly as prescribed.
The usual dose is:
Take with a full glass of water. It is important to stay hydrated while on this medication as it may lead to severe case of dehydration. Please report any abnormal amount of sweating and urination to your doctor. Your electrolyte levels and blood pressure would have to be checked regularly while you are on this medication.
This medication does not cure hypertension, but it helps control it. Therefore, you should take your tablet daily as prescribed by your doctor and at the same time of the day. Keep taking the medication even if you start feeling better. Do not adjust the dose by yourself.
Lifestyle changes such as increase exercise, having a low fat/cholesterol diet, and smoking cessation can help improve the effects of this medication and make it work better.
This medication may exhibit side effects. If the effects are adverse and cannot be handled or tolerated, you should immediately report to your doctor or pharmacist.
Lisinopril side effects
Hydrochlorothiazide side effects
To reduce the feeling of dizziness and lightheadedness that is felt when taking this medication, you should stand up slowly when getting from a sitting or lying position, especially soon after taking the drug.
Please tell your doctor if you are currently taking any medication and if you have any known chronic conditions such as angioedema, heart or kidney disease, lupus, difficulty in urination, and diabetes.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy, as it may cause potentially damaging effects to the unborn child. Please use contraceptives while you are on lisinopril and stop taking the medication as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. It has not been established whether lisinopril passes in breast milk. Please contact your doctor before breastfeeding while on this medication. Hydrochlorothiazide can pass in the breast milk.
Do not take this medication within 48 hours of taking any anti-diabetic drug that contains aliskiren or heart medicine containing sacubatril.
This medication may make you dizzy and affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. It may disturb general coordination and balance. Please inform your doctor if you intend to drive or operate heave machinery. The doctor may need to adjust your dose or advise otherwise. This medication may increase your potassium levels. Please inform your doctor if you are on any potassium containing supplements or if you suffer from an electrolyte imbalance. It is also important to stay hydrated while taking this medication. It should be taken with a large glass of water.
This medication is contraindicated in the following cases:
Using this medication together with certain drugs may change the effects of one or the other. It is important to notify your doctor and/or pharmacist of any medication that you currently are taking or intend to use concurrently with Zestoretic. This includes medication obtained with or without a prescription.
Please do not stop taking this medication abruptly. Always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before stopping the medication or altering the dose. Some of the interactions require no medical attention and will wear off as soon as the drugs have left the system; however, you should seek medical assistance if you feel uncomfortable and cannot tolerate the effects of using the drugs together.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the time is closer to when you need to take the next one, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on a dose to make up for a missed one.
Seek immediate medical attention or call the Poison Control Helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms of overdose include lightheadedness and fainting.
No.
You should take Zestoretic exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
You can buy Zestoretic from YouDrugStore.com with a valid prescription.