ZESTORETIC (SAME AS PRINZIDE) OR GENERIC LISINOPRIL/HCTZ

Zestoretic Description

Zestoretic or generic Lisinopril/HCTZ is a combination drug your doctor may recommend if your blood pressure (BP) is found to be consistently high. Undiagnosed and untreated hypertension can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. If you are obese, eat a fatty diet, and are inactive a great deal, you are at risk for high blood pressure. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Zestoretic Works

The first active ingredient of Zestoretic (same as Prinzide) is Lisinopril. This is called an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ACE converts angiotensin I, which is inactive by itself, into angiotensin II. This is a natural process your body carries out to regulate blood pressure. However, angiotensin II also causes muscles surrounding arteries to narrow so blood flow is forced through and can increase your blood pressure. ACE inhibitors reduce the production of angiotensin II, enabling arteries to stay open so your heart doesn’t have to work so hard to pump blood around your body.

The second active ingredient is HCTZ, which stands for Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that will help reduce the excess fluid in your body. HCTZ works to block sodium ion channels in your kidneys, resulting in excess water and sodium passing out of your body in your urine. This action also helps lower BP as retained fluid is removed from your bloodstream, too. This is very beneficial for those dealing with congestive heart failure as well.

Conditions Treated by Zestoretic

Having high blood pressure means the blood being forced through your arteries could cause microscopic tears in the arterial walls. As these tears form scar tissue, plaque will build up as it becomes lodged in the damaged tissue. This accumulation makes the passageway narrow and arteries will eventually harden and could lead to damaging other organs because they are not receiving a proper blood supply with the oxygen and nutrients they need to perform their jobs.

Before You Receive an Rx for Zestoretic

Tell your doctor before taking Zestoretic if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding as it may pose a risk to your unborn or nursing baby. Report other medical conditions or allergies to your doctor and list all OTC or Rx drugs and supplements you currently take or use so your doctor can determine if Zestoretic is the best medication for you.

Zestoretic Precautions

You should not drive, operate machinery, or attempt any task that may be risky until you know how Zestoretic will affect you. Know the signs of low blood pressure in case this occurs while taking Zestoretic. Drinking alcohol can cause a drop in blood pressure or increase certain side effects. Remember to stay hydrated during hot weather when taking Zestoretic.

Possible Side Effects of Zestoretic

• Cough
• Dizziness
• Headache