This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Zestoretic is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and thiazide diuretic combination. It works to lower your blood pressure by removing excess fluid from the body and causing blood vessels to relax or widen. It is used for lowering high blood pressure.

How to Take

Zestoretic is designed to replace higher doses of either component. Dosages of the lisinopril component range from 10 to 80 milligrams a day; dosages of hydrochlorothiazide typically fall between 6.25 and 50 milligrams daily. If either component, when prescribed alone, fails to control your blood pressure, your doctor may try the Zestoretic combination, starting with either 10 or 20 milligrams of lisinopril and 12.5 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide, and gradually increasing the dosage as needed.

If you are age 65 or older, or have kidney problems, your doctor will adjust your dosage with caution. This drug is not prescribed for people with severe kidney damage.

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Warning and Precautions

Zestoretic may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zestoretic with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Zestoretic may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking Zestoretic and avoid engaging in activities that cause excessive sweating. Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may lead to a fall in blood pressure. Contact your health care provider at once if any of these occur.

Diabetes patients - Zestoretic may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.

A persistent, unproductive cough may occur. Tell your doctor if this occurs. Recovery is rapid when the medicine is stopped.

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.

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

Zestoretic may cause you to become sunburned more easily. 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, including blood electrolytes, blood pressure, and kidney function, may be performed while you use Zestoretic. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness, fainting, weakness.

Storage

Store Zestoretic at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Zestoretic out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects: coughing; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; lightheadedness; nausea; persistent nonproductive cough; tiredness; vomiting. Seek medical attention right away if any of these side effects occur.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Zestoretic. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.