Zestril / Prinivil and/or Equivalents

Zestril (lisinopril)

Zestril Description

Zestril belongs to a group of drugs called the ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors. Lisinopril is the active ingredient in Zestril and is used for treating heart attacks, congestive heart failure and hypertension and also for preventing retinal and renal complications and complexities of diabetes. The ingredient is hydrophilic, penetrates liver but is not metabolized by the organ. Developed by Merck & Co, Lisinopril is globally marketed as Tensopril or Prinivil and as Zestril by AstraZeneca.

Zestril is available in tablet form and comes in the following dosage strengths: 2.5 mg, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg tablets. These tablets should be stored at room temperature and away from moisture and light.

Conditions treated by Zestril

Lisinopril or Zestril is primarily prescribed for treating heart failure and elevated blood pressure levels and also for improving survival post a myocardial infarction or heart attack. Angiotensin is a chemical made continuously by the body that narrows blood vessels for maintaining blood pressure levels. When Zestril blocks this enzyme, angiotensin will not be able to convert into its active form. Because of this, dilation of blood vessels occur and blood pressure levels fall.

High blood pressure is treated in children and adults over 6 years of age. Reducing blood pressure prevents kidney problems, heart attacks and strokes. The drug is also prescribed for use after an acute heart attack to make sure chances of survival improve. When used with other drugs such as digoxin and diuretics, congestive heart failure can be treated.

Zestril Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

Zestril can be taken without or with food. The drug should be taken at the same time every day so that constant blood levels of the medication is maintained. Zestril should not be taken within a couple of hours of having an antacid since the latter can bind Zestril and avoid its absorption. If you are planning to discontinue, your doctor will recommend lowering the dosage slowly. The beginning dose of this drug is 5 mg taken daily. The efficacy of the drug to treat heart failure is ascertained between 5 and 40 mg every day. This can be increased by 10 mg for every couple of weeks in order to get maximum benefit.

For treating high blood pressure, the recommended beginning dose is 10 mg to be taken every day. The typical range of dose is 20 to 40 mg to be taken every day. A higher dose is not more effective than a 40 gm dose. Treating myocardial infarction or heart attack begins with a 5 mg dose followed by 5 mg after a day, 10 mg after two days and later 10 mg every day. This treatment should be continued for about 6 weeks.

b.) Missing a Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember that you have missed it but if it is almost time for your subsequent dose; do not take the missed one. Do not take extra doses to catch up for it may create disastrous results.

c.) Overdosing

If you have taken a lot of this medicine, make sure you seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Symptoms of overdosing can include fainting, light headedness and feeling of dizziness.

Zestril Warnings

Alcohol consumption should be avoided. This is because alcohol has the ability to further bring down your blood pressure levels and also increase certain side effects of the medication. Potassium supplements and salt substitutes taken along with Zestril can also create troubles. Zestril causes heavy sweating, diarrhea and vomiting that make the user of the drug dehydrated. This can go on to result in electrolyte disorders, low blood pressure or even kidney failure while taking the drug. To ensure that you are deriving benefits from the drug, get your blood pressure checked periodically. Tests should also be conducted to determine liver or kidney function.

High blood pressure may not show any symptoms and therefore it is imperative for you to continue usage of Zestril even if you are feeling fine. If you suffer from kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes or connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome, you should inform your doctor. Zestril can cause birth defects in babies and therefore you should consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. While using this medication, use an effective birth control form. The effects of the medication on newborn babies through breast milk is not determined and therefore breast-feeding mothers should consult their doctor before taking the drug.

Zestril Side Effects

Zestril can result in allergic reactions in certain people. The drug can trigger:

• breathing difficulties
• swelling of face, throat, lips and tongue
• skin breaking out into hives and rashes

Some of the strong side effects to this medication include:

• fainting or light-headedness
• lack or very little urination or urinating more than the usual number of times
• flu symptoms, body aches, chills and fever

Few other serious side effects include:

• uneven or pounding heartbeats
• muscle weakness
• tiredness
• chest pain
• rapid weight gain and swelling

Less serious troubles include:

• cough
• headache
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• depression
• stomach upset
• diarrhea
• vomiting and nausea
• mild skin rash or itching

Possible Drug Interactions With Zestril

Some drugs can interact with Zestril and cause unpleasant reactions or nullify the benefits offered by Zestril. A few of these drugs include:

• gold injections for treating arthritis
• Carbolith (lithium)
• potassium supplements
• salt substitutes containing potassium
• diabetes or insulin medication taken orally
• Aspirin(acetylsalicylic acid)
• Naprosyn (naproxen)
• Orudis(ketoprofen)
• Indocin (indomethacin)
• Lodine (etodolac)
• Voltaren(diclofenac)
• Advil(ibuprofen)
• Water pills or diuretics can also possibly interact with Zestril

The drug should not be used if you find yourself allergic to lisinopril or ACE inhibitors such as trandolapril, ramipril, quinapril, perindopril, moexipril, enalapril, fosinopril, captopril and benazepril. If you are getting injections for wasp or bee sting and also taking lisinopril, serious allergic reactions can occur. Drugs suppressing the immune system can also interact with Zestril.

If you have any questions about buying discount Zestril / Prinivil online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Zestril / Prinivil and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information