Zestril (Lisinopril)

What is Zestril?

Prinivil is a synthetic peptide derivative that belongs to a family of drugs known as ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors.

What is Zestril used for?

Prinivil is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension in adults and children aged 6 and above. It is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes and kidney problems. The drug enhances the survival rate after a heart attack.

How does Zestril work?

Prinivil works by relaxing blood vessels and causing them to widen. This reduces blood pressure and improves blood flow.

How to use Zestril

Prinivil should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. If you are taking the medicine in liquid suspension form, shake the bottle well before use.

Get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis while using Prinivil.

Zestril warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to Prinivil or to other ACE inhibitors like moexipril (Univasc), trandolapril (Mavik), perindopril (Aceon), benazepril (Lotensin), ramipril (Altace), captopril (Capoten), quinapril (Accupril), fosinopril (Monopril), or enalapril (Vasotec).

Prior to taking Prinivil, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, heart disease, or a connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, Marfan syndrome, scleroderma, or lupus.                                      

While using Prinivil, avoid drinking alcohol as it can reduce your blood pressure and enhance some side effects of Prinivil. Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes without consulting your doctor.

Pregnant women should not

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

If you have missed your Prinivil dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

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

If you have taken a Prinivil overdose, you should seek medical attention.

Zestril interactions

Before taking Prinivil, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), diuretic (water pill), insulin or diabetes medicines taken orally; salt substitutes containing potassium; gold injections (for treating arthritis); potassium supplements such as Klor-Con, K-Dur; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), indomethacin (Indocin), etodolac (Lodine),  or ketoprofen (Orudis). Such drugs can interact with Prinivil.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use including mineral or vitamin supplements that you may be using. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Zestril side effects

Prinivil side effects include hives, breathing trouble, fever, chills, uneven heartbeats, muscle weakness, body ache, fainting, increased frequency of urination, fatigue, weight gain, chest pain, swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Prinivil, contact your doctor right away.

Cough, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, drowsiness, mild itching, skin rash, headache, dizziness, vomiting are some less serious side effects of Prinivil.