ZESTRIL (LISINOPRIL)

Zestril Description

Zestril or generic Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that your doctor may prescribe to control high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This medical condition can increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease and you may not be aware of being hypertensive. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

It’s usually during an annual exam that your doctor will take your blood pressure and discover you are at risk. Sometimes adopting a healthier lifestyle with exercise, a proper diet, and giving up nicotine will decrease your blood pressure, but this may not work for everyone. Taking Zestril as a long-term medication is a very real possibility in order to avoid other health risks.

What Happens When You Take Zestril?

Taking Zestril as directed reduces the activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). This enzyme helps in the creation of a protein called angiotensin II which causes your blood vessels to constrict, driving your blood pressure up. By interfering with the angiotensin converting enzyme, your blood vessels can widen and provide a steady blood flow that will decrease your blood pressure safely and reduce the strain on your heart.

Other Conditions Zestril May Be Prescribed to Treat

Zestril may also be prescribed if you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure which is a common condition that can develop after your heart has been damaged or weakened by disease, most likely as a result of a heart attack. Blockage of a coronary artery will deprive your heart muscle of much needed blood and oxygen. The tell-tale chest pains you experience is your heart muscle in distress and if there is no intervention in a timely manner, your heart muscle will sustain irreversible damage. This can cause your heart to become weakened so it’s unable to pump blood to other tissues and organs. The second leading cause of heart failure is hypertension that is undiagnosed and untreated.

Before You Take Zestril

Ask your doctor about the safety of taking Zestril if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are currently nursing your baby. Discuss your medical history with your doctor and list any OTC and Rx drugs your are taking, including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements to be sure Zestril will be safe to take. If you are scheduled for any surgical procedures, tell the surgeon you are taking Zestril as you may have to stop taking it for a determined amount of time beforehand.

Precautions for Zestril

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking Zestril as it can decrease sweating. Alcohol consumption can increase your risk of side effects with Zestril and can also lower your blood pressure further, making you hypotensive. Until you know how Zestril will affect you, do not drive, operate machinery, or attempt any task that could be considered risky. It’s important to see your doctor regularly to check your blood pressure so you know whether Zestril is working for you.

Possible Side Effects of Zestril

• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cough
• Headache