Zestoretic contains a combination of hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. Lisinopril belongs to a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Lisinopril lowers blood pressure and also relieves symptoms of fluid retention.
Zestoretic is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Zestoretic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Zestoretic if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
You should not use Zestoretic if you have hereditary angioedema, if you are unable to urinate, if you are allergic to sulfa drugs, or if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any ACE inhibitor.
If you have diabetes, do not use Zestoretic together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Zestoretic if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or lisinopril, or if you have:
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hereditary angioedema;
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if you are unable to urinate;
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an allergy to sulfa drugs; or
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if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any ACE inhibitor (benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril).
If you have diabetes, do not use Zestoretic together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking Zestoretic with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure Zestoretic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
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liver disease;
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glaucoma;
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heart disease or congestive heart failure;
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asthma or allergies;
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gout;
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lupus;
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diabetes; or
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an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Zestoretic if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking Zestoretic.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Zestoretic?
Take Zestoretic exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take each dose of Zestoretic with a full glass of water.
You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medication. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual.
While using Zestoretic, you may need frequent blood tests at your doctor"s office. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are taking medication that contains hydrochlorothiazide. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Keep using Zestoretic as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Zestoretic.
Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet, and do not take potassium supplements while taking Zestoretic, unless your doctor has told you to.
Zestoretic side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Zestoretic: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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eye pain, vision problems;
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high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling);
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low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling);
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dry mouth, nausea, vomiting;
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feeling weak, drowsy, or restless;
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a red, blistering, peeling skin rash;
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psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin);
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jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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little or no urinating;
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swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Common Zestoretic side effects may include:
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cough;
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headache, tired feeling, depressed mood;
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diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach; or
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mild skin rash, increased sweating.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Zestoretic?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Zestoretic, especially:
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barbiturates--phenobarbital and others;
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cholestyramine or colestipol;
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gold injections to treat arthritis;
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insulin or diabetes medicine taken by mouth;
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lithium;
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narcotic pain medicine;
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NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others;
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other diuretics (water pills) or blood pressure medications; or
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steroids (prednisone and others).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Zestoretic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
