Zestoretic
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Zestoretic
Zestoretic is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (Lisinopril) and thiazide diuretic (Hydrochlorothiazide) combination. It acts to lower your blood pressure by removing excess fluid from the body and by causing blood vessels to relax, widen or dilate.
Therapeutic Uses of Zestoretic
Zestoretic is used for treatment of high blood pressure, especially when one single drug can not control blood pressure.
Direction of use of Zestoretic
Zestoretic should be sued as directed by your doctor or as follows:
- Zestoretic is taken orally. It can be taken with food or on empty stomach.
- If you also take cholestyramine or colestipol, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take it with Zestoretic.
- Zestoretic should be taken on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it and taking regularly at the same time daily makes it easier to remember.
- Continue to use Zestoretic even if you feel well without missing any dose of it.
- If you have any question about the direction of use of Zestoretic, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider like pharmacist.
If You Miss a Dose of Zestoretic
If you miss a dose of Zestoretic, you should take it as soon as possible or as soon as you remember it. 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 a time.
How to Store Zestoretic
Zestoretic should be stored at at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light in a tightly closed container. Keep Zestoretic out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not store it in your bathroom.
More Information About Zestoretic
Zestoretic 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. If you have any question about Zestoretic, ask your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Zestoretic
Do not use Zestoretic if you have any of the following medical problems and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Zestoretic.
- If you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue) or stenosis of renal arteries (kidney artery narrowing).
- If you are unable to pass urine.
- If you are a woman and you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy.
- If you are taking dofetilide or ketanserin.
Important notes on Zestoretic:
- Zestoretic may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or with certain other medicines. You should use Zestoretic with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks that need constant monitoring and attention, until you know how you react to it.
- Zestoretic may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting and these effects are more common with alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever. To prevent these effects (dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting or syncope), sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning and you should sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
- Drink plenty of fluids while you are on Zestoretic and avoid engaging in activities that cause excessive sweating (excess physical exercise). Because dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may lead to a fall in blood pressure, which may add to the blood pressure lowering of Zestoretic. Contact your health care provider at once if any of these occur.
- In diabetes patients Zestoretic may raise your blood sugar level. Symptoms of high blood sugar are feeling of confusion, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor (severe rise in blood sugar as seen in diabetic ketoacidosis). If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
- A persistent, unproductive cough may occur. Inform your doctor if this occurs to you. Recovery is rapid when the medicine is stopped.
- Patients on medication for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks at the starting of treatment. Keep taking your medicine even if you do not feel normal. Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
- Zestoretic may not work as well in black patients (genetic variation) and blacks may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, especially if you are black.
- You should inform your doctor or dentist that you are on Zestoretic before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- You may sunburn more easily if you are taking Zestoretic. You should avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Zestoretic. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Lab tests, like blood electrolytes, blood pressure (should be checked regularly), and kidney function, should be performed while you are on Zestoretic. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Try to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: You should not use Zestoretic if you are pregnant as it may cause birth defects or fetal death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you are pregnant, consult your doctor right away, to rule out your pregnancy and to discuss about the risks and benefits of using it during pregnancy. Zestoretic is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zestoretic.
Possible Adverse Effects of Zestoretic
- Consult with your doctor if any of the most common and mild side effects persist or become bothersome for you. The common and mild side effects of Zestoretic are coughing, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, persistent nonproductive cough, tiredness etc.
- Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the serious and uncommon side effects of Zestoretic. The serious and uncommon side effects of Zestoretic are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty in taking breath, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion, lightheadedness, fainting, difficulty in swallowing; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia); fever, hoarseness, increased hunger, increased thirst, muscle cramps, muscle weakness; severe dizziness, shortness of breath, sore throat; unusual or severe drowsiness; unusual stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes etc.