ZESTRIL – Lisinopril

Zestril Used For

Zestril (Lisinopril) is an angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drug that is prescribed for lowering blood pressure, to treat congestive heart failure, and to improve the survival rate after a heart attack.

Directions for Zestril

For treatment of congestive heart failure adults are recommended 5 to 20 mg of Zestril once a day. Adults may be given 10 to 40 mg of Zestril once a day for the treatment of high blood pressure while for immediate treatment after a heart attack, adults can be administered 5 mg once a day at first and then increased to 10 mg a day as per doctor's instructions. For all conditions in children, the use and dosage must be determined by the doctor.

How Zestril medication works

Zestril should not be taken by pregnant women because when taken during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, it can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. If you think you are pregnant while on Zestril, talk to your doctor immediately. It is advisable to use an effective contraceptive during treatment to avoid pregnancy. Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss while on treatment may cause extremely low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. It is very necessary to maintain sufficient fluid intake to prevent dehydration and other side effects. Remember to inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood, are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, triamterene, or spironolactone, or have diabetes - these conditions might prevent the prescription of Zestril or require special dosage and monitoring during treatment. This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness in certain patients. Caution is advised while driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities while on Zestril. Dizziness may also be felt when rising from a sitting or lying position. Alcohol can also increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by this medication and should be avoided during treatment. Salt substitutes or potassium supplements should only be taken under medical supervision.

Zestril medication’s side effects

As with all other medications, Zestril also has its side effects which may vary from patient to patients and may or may not include any or all of the following: difficulty in breathing, little or no urine, an irregular heartbeat or changes in heartbeat, chest pain, severe dizziness or fainting, signs of an infection including a sore throat or a fever, mild dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, unusual fatigue or weakness, dry, tickling cough, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and/or impotence. Immediate medical attention must be sought should any of the above side effects become aggravated or cause undue discomfort.

Other Zestril Lisinopril Information

Zestril tablets may be split and taken at half the dose, with or without food. Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor as sudden discontinuation may cause your condition could become worse.