Brand name : Zestril ( Lisinopril )
Pronounced: ZEST-rill
Generic name: Lisinopril
Other brand name: Prinivil
Why is This meds prescribed?

This meds is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or when combined with other high blood pressure medications. It may also be used with other medications in the treatment of heart failure, and may be given within 24 hours of a heart attack to improve chances of survival.

This meds is a type of drug called an ACE inhibitor. It works by reducing production of a substance that increases salt and water retention in your body.
Most important fact about This meds

If you have high blood pressure, you must take This meds regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of This meds; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. This meds does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take This meds without a prescription/Rx?

This meds can be taken with or without food. Take it exactly as prescribed. Stopping This meds suddenly could cause your blood pressure to rise.

If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature, with the container sealed and dry. Avoid excessive heat or freezing cold.
This meds side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking This meds.

* Side effects may include:
Chest pain, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, low blood pressure

Why should This meds not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to This meds or other ACE inhibitors such as Capoten, you should not take This meds. You should also avoid This meds if you suffered angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or legs) during previous treatment with an ACE inhibitor, or have a tendency to develop the condition for any other reason. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Special warnings about This meds

If you develop a sore throat, fever, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat, arms or legs; or have difficulty swallowing or breathing, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may have a serious side effect of the drug and need emergency treatment.If you develop abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting, contact your doctor. ACE inhibitors such as This meds have been known to cause intestinal swelling.If you are being given bee or wasp venom to guard against future reactions, you may have a severe reaction to This meds.If you have congestive heart failure or other heart problems, a kidney disorder, or a connective tissue disease such as lupus, you should use This meds with caution. Your doctor may perform periodic blood tests while you are taking This meds.

If you are taking This meds, a complete assessment of your kidney function should be done and kidney function should continue to be monitored. This meds is used with great caution after a heart attack if the patient also has kidney problems.This drug also should be used with caution if you are on dialysis. There have been reports of extreme allergic reactions during dialysis in people taking ACE inhibitor medications such as This meds.If you are taking high doses of a diuretic (water pill) and This meds, you may develop excessively low blood pressure. This problem is also more likely if you are being treated for heart failure.This meds may cause some people to become dizzy, light-headed, or faint, especially if they have heart failure or are taking a water pill at the same time. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you are certain This meds does not have this effect on you.If you develop chest pain, sore throat, fever, and chills, contact your doctor for medical attention. It could indicate a more serious condition.If your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow, stop taking This meds and contact your doctor.

Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium. Limit your consumption of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, prunes, raisins, orange juice, and whole and skim milk. Ask your doctor for advice on how much of these foods to consume.

Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could cause you to lose too much water and cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zestril ( Lisinopril )

If This meds is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining This meds with any of the following:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin (Indocin)
Lithium (Lithonate, Eskalith)
Potassium preparations such as K-Phos and Micro-K
Water pills such as HydroDIURIL and Lasix, and others that leave potassium in the body, such as Aldactone and Midamor
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If it is taken during the final 6 months of pregnancy, This meds can cause birth defects, prematurity, and death in the fetus and newborn. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and are taking This meds, contact your doctor immediately to discuss the potential hazard to your unborn child. This meds may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If This meds is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with This meds is finished.
Recommended dosage for This meds

ADULTS
Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

A severe drop in blood pressure is the primary sign of a This meds overdose.