Prinzide (Lisinopril/HCTZ)

What is Prinzide?

Prinzide is a combination of thiazide diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, and Lisinopril, which is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor.

What is Prinzide used for?

Prinzide is used for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. Controlled blood pressure further helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

How does Prinzide work?

Prinzide consists of hydrochlorothiazide which causes the body to get rid of extra salt and water. It also consists of Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, which works by relaxing blood vessels and thus, allowing the blood to flow through the body easily.

How to use Prinzide

Take the tablet as per the instructions of your doctor. The tablet is taken orally, with a full glass of water.

It is to be taken once daily. If it causes you to urinate more frequently, then it is advisable that you take it during the day, so as to avoid disturbance in the night time sleep.

To gain best results, take Prinzide daily preferably at the same time.

Prinzide warnings and precautions

Do not take Prinzide if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Check with your doctor before you take Prinzide if you have a medical history of kidney or liver diseases, gout, lupus, asthma, or other similar allergies.

Avoid a high sodium diet. Drink plenty of water in order to avoid dehydration and overheating of the body due to rigorous exercise.  Follow the diet in your prescription and exercise the way your doctor has advised.

Avoid getting up and sitting with a jerk or too suddenly. Do not climb stairs very fast; take one step at a time after you have consumed Prinzide. Avoid alcohol at all costs.

Use effective external birth control pills while you are taking this medicine as it can lower the efficacy of contraceptive pills. Prinzide must not be given to lactating mothers as it is could harm a nursing child. Women who conceive while taking this medication must consult their doctor, as Prinzide is known to cause birth defects in the new born.

What do I do if I have missed a Prinzide dose?

If you have missed a Prinzide dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take more of the medicine to make up for the loss.

What do I do if I have taken a Prinzide overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Prinzide, consult your doctor.

Prinzide interactions

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all the prescribed and non prescribed medicines that you use, especially if you take lithium, mitotane, NSAIDs, cyclosporine, colestipol, gold injections to treat arthritis, other blood pressure medications, diuretics, tacrolimus, potassium supplements, ACE inhibitors, diet aids, or cough and cold medicines.

Inform your doctor if you have been taking diet aids, prednisone, aspirin, ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, insulin and other medicines for diabetes.

Prinzide side effects

Some of the very serious side effects of Prinzide are high potassium level in the body, slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle fatigue, and tingly feeling in the body. In extreme cases there can be a very low potassium rate which can cause confusion, uneven heart rate, increased thirst and urination, dehydration, red blisters and peeling rash, hives, swelling in the mouth and throat, pale eyes and skin, abnormal weight gain, bloated body, shortness of breath,  fever, chills, or body ache. Consult your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

The minor side effects from Prinzide include coughing, dizziness, fatigue, depression, headache, blurred vision, diarrhea, constipation, increased sweating, and mild skin rash. Keep your doctor updated on each of such side effects.