Zestril

Generic name: Lisinopril

Drug class: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Dosage forms: Tablet

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 mg

Mechanism of action: It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Drug usage cases: Zestril (lisinopril) is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Zestril is also used in adults to treat congestive heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Drug contra indications: You should not use Zestril if you are allergic to lisinopril or to any other ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor such as captopril, fosinopril, enalapril, benazepril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril. Do not take Zestril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto). If you have diabetes, do not take Zestril with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine). Do not take Zestril if you have a history of angioedema (severe allergic reaction). To make sure Zestril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease, heart problems such as a recent heart attack; low blood pressure; low white blood cell count; stomach pain; if you are on a low-salt diet; diabetes; liver disease; or kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis). You may also need to avoid taking Zestril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zestril: severe stomach pain, hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Zestril may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; high blood potassium – nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; low white blood cell counts – fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough; kidney problems – swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or liver problems – loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Warnings: You should not use this medicine if you have ever had angioedema. Do not take Zestril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto). If you have diabetes, do not use Zestril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (such as Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo). You may also need to avoid taking Zestril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Do not use Zestril if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Zestril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you use the medicine during your second or third trimester. Do not breastfeed.