Zestril

The active ingredient in Zestril is lisinopril. Lisinopril works by dilating your blood vessels. This results in a decrease in your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. The effects of lisinopril result in lower blood pressure and less stress on your heart.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Zestril. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Zestril:

• Swallow the oral tablet with a drink of water. It is best to take it at the same time every day.
• You can take Zestril with or without food.
• The recommended starting dose of Zestril will depend on why you are taking it. For hypertension, the recommended starting dose is 10 mg once daily.
• Do not stop taking Zestril even if you are feeling better unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

The most common side effects of Zestril include:

• Lightheadedness.
• Low blood pressure.
• Cough.
• Running nose.
• Stomach pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Nausea.
• Chest pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Zestril. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe low blood pressure.
• Decreased platelets. Symptoms include bruising, bleeding, and fatigue.
• Decreased white blood cells. Symptoms include fever, aches, pain, infections, and flu-like symptoms.
• Serious skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. This is any combination of itchy skin, rash, blistering of the skin, lips, eyes, and mouth with fever, chills, and headache.
• Increased risk of an electrolyte imbalance, such as high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). This can lead to irregular heartbeats and muscle weakness.
• Serious and life-threatening allergic reaction.
• Kidney problems. Symptoms include a change in the frequency of urination.
• Liver and pancreas disorders. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, and abdominal pain.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Zestril. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Zestril, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Previous allergic reactions to blood pressure medications. This includes a history of angioedema.
• Heart problems, such as a heart attack, heart disease, or heart failure.
• Diabetes.
• Liver problems.
• Kidney disease, dialysis, and stenosis of the renal arteries.
• Currently taking:
• A medicine that contains an aliskiren.
• An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
• A salt substitute that contains potassium, potassium supplements, or a potassium-sparing diuretic like spironolactone.
• Temsirolimus and everolimus.
• Sirolimus.

Boxed Warning

Zestril should not be used during pregnancy. If you are taking Zestril and discover you are pregnant, contact your healthcare provider and stop taking Zestril.

• Less than 6 years of age.
• Previous allergic reaction (angioedema) with itching, hives, and swelling of the hands, feet, face, lips, or sudden difficulty breathing to any lisinopril or other ACE inhibitors.
• Currently taking Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan). This increases your risk of angioedema.
• Pregnant or planning to be pregnant.
• Currently taking a blood pressure medication containing aliskiren and have diabetes or severe kidney impairment.

It usually takes one hour for Zestril to start working and lower your blood pressure.

When Zestril is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Medications that increase serum potassium levels.
• Allopurinol.
• Diabetic medications such as insulin and sulfonylureas.
• Tissue plasminogen activator.
• Temsirolimus and everolimus.
• Sirolimus.
• Lithium.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
• Blood pressure drugs such as diuretics (“water pills”), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and other ACE inhibitors.

Zestril is available in the following dosage forms and strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg tablets.

Store Zestril at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Searchlight Pharma Inc. manufactures Zestril.

Lisinopril is the generic version.

Do not stop taking Zestril without consulting your healthcare professional first. Your blood pressure may increase if you suddenly stop taking it.

ACE inhibitors like Zestril are contraindicated during pregnancy. This is because ACE inhibitors can cause fetal and neonatal mortality. The use of ACE inhibitors in pregnancy has also been associated with cardiac malformations, neurological malformations, and neonatal hypotension. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

ACE inhibitors like Zestril are contraindicated in breastfeeding. Studies have reported the presence of ACE inhibitors in breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.