Zestril -- Lisinopril -- Drug For Lowering Blood Pressure

Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

5 mg: Each pale pink, round tablet, scored on one side and embossed with the number 5 inside a heart-shaped symbol on the other, contains lisinopril 5 mg.

10 mg: Each pale pink, round tablet, embossed with the number 10 and "ZESTRIL" inside a heart-shaped symbol on one side and blank on the other, contains lisinopril 10 mg.

20 mg: Each deep pink, round tablet, embossed with the number 20 and "ZESTRIL" inside a heart-shaped symbol on one side and blank on the other, contains lisinopril 10 mg.

Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium hydrogen phosphate, cornstarch, magnesium stearate, mannitol, pregelatinized cornstarch, and red iron oxide.

• are allergic to any of the ingredients or to any of the drugs belonging to the family of medications known as ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, benazepril, ramipril, )
• have had episodes of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, mouth and throat) which has been associated with hereditary or idiopathic angioedema
• are pregnant

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if the following side effects continue or become bothersome. Your health professional may be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.

Less common (1% to 10%)

• cough (dry, persistent)
• headache
• diarrhea
• loss of taste
• nausea
• unusual tiredness

  Rare (less than 1%)

• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• constipation
• flatulence
• difficulty sleeping

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common (1% to 10%)

• dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• skin rash, with or without itching, fever, or joint pain

  Rare (less than 1%)

• abdominal pain, abdominal distention, fever, nausea, or vomiting
• chest pain
• muscle cramps
• back, leg, or shoulder pain
• tingling or burning sensation
• depression
• vertigo
• blurred vision
• flushing
• signs of too much potassium in the body:
  • confusion
  • irregular heartbeat
  • nervousness
  • numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • weakness or heaviness of legs

Get medical help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare (less than 1%)

• fever and chills
• hoarseness
• swelling of face, mouth, hands, or feet
• trouble in swallowing or breathing (sudden)
• stomach pain, itching of skin, or yellow eyes or skin

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

People who have had angioedema caused by other substances may be at increased risk of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor such as lisinopril.

Low blood pressure: Occasionally, blood pressure drops too low after taking lisinopril. This usually happens after the first or second dose or when the dose is increased. It is more likely to occur in those who take water pills, have a salt-restricted diet, are on dialysis, or are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting. If low blood pressure causes you to faint or feel light-headed, contact a doctor.

Excessive sweating and lack of fluid intake may lead to an excessive fall in blood pressure because of reduced fluid in you blood vessels. Vomiting or diarrhea may also lead to a fall in blood pressure. You should talk to your doctor if you feel your blood pressure is too low.

Blood disorders: Lisinopril can cause certain blood problems. You should tell your doctor at once if you notice any of the following while taking this drug:

• sore throat
• fever
• rash
• muscle pain
• swollen glands
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• pain in chest
• yellowing of skin or eyes

Kidney function: Changes in kidney function have been seen in certain people. The use of diuretics (water pills) may further increase the risk of kidney problems in those at risk for this problem. Kidney function should be assessed with the use of this medication.

Liver function: Changes in liver function have occurred during treatment with this medication. In most cases, changes resolved when the drug was stopped. This medication should be used with caution in people with impaired liver function.

Electrolyte imbalance: Increases in blood levels of potassium may occur in people taking lisinopril. This rarely causes problems, but potassium levels should be monitored by the doctor.

Cough: A dry persistent cough may occur in a small percentage of people taking lisinopril. Be sure to tell your doctor of any cough which does not seem to be related to a usual cause.

Pregnancy: ACE inhibitors should not be taken by pregnant women. If you discover you are pregnant, you should stop lisinopril at once.

Breast-feeding: It is not known whether lisinopril is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be used when lisinopril is taken by nursing mothers.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of lisinopril have not been established for children. Its use by them is not recommended.

The following medications may affect the way that lisinopril works:

• medications that increase potassium levels (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride, or potassium supplements)
• medications that lower blood pressure (e.g., diuretics (water pills) beta-blocking drugs)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen)

Lisinopril may affect the way the following medications work:

• lithium

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.