Zestril

Zestril is commonly used to control high blood pressure, treat heart failure, and improve survival following a heart attack. It blocks an enzyme in the body that normally causes blood vessels to narrow. As a result, Zestril causes blood vessels to relax, which lowers blood pressure. The drug comes in tablet form and is typically taken once a day. Side effects are possible; however, most people tolerate the drug without problems.

 

What Is Zestril?

Zestril® (lisonopril) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.
 

Who Makes Zestril?

Zestril is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
 

Uses for Zestril

Some uses for Zestril include the following:
 
 
Zestril has also been approved as a treatment for high blood pressure in children 6 years of age and older. However, Zestril is not a cure for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure.
 
(Click Zestril Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Zestril Work?

Zestril is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Zestril helps to block the actions of this enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, Zestril causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 
By helping blood vessels relax, Zestril also increases the efficiency of the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard and more blood can be pumped out to the rest of the body. Both of these are helpful for a person with congestive heart failure.
 

Effects of Zestril

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Zestril, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly lowered. The higher the dose of Zestril, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be. By lowering blood pressure, Zestril can decrease the risks that often accompany long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).
 
For people with congestive heart failure, the effects of Zestril on the heart and blood vessels cause a decrease in the symptoms of congestive heart failure (including shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling), as well as improved exercise tolerance.
 

When and How Do I Take Zestril?

General considerations for when and how to take Zestril include the following:
 
  • Zestril comes in tablet form and is taken once a day.
  • You can take Zestril with or without food.
  • Zestril should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medicine in your blood.
  • If you have difficulty taking the tablet, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about a different form of Zestril.
  • For Zestril to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Zestril will not work if you stop taking it.
       

Dosage Information for Zestril

The dose of Zestril that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you are currently taking.
 
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose of Zestril unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Zestril Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Zestril

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Zestril. Not everyone who takes the drug, however, will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
(Click Zestril Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects to watch out for.)
 
You can also read about specific side effects by clicking the following eMedTV articles:
 
 

Drug Interactions With Zestril

Zestril can potentially interact with a number of medicines (see Zestril Drug Interactions).
 

Zestril: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Zestril if you have:
 
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Zestril and Pregnancy)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Are on dialysis
  • Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
 
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Zestril Precautions and Warnings to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Zestril?

People who take too much Zestril may have overdose symptoms that could include an extremely low blood pressure. If you happen to overdose on Zestril, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Lisinopril Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Zestril Be Stored?

Zestril should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Zestril tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep Zestril and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Zestril?

If you do not take your Zestril as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
 

Strengths of Zestril

Zestril comes in several strengths. These include:
 
  • Zestril 2.5 mg
  • Zestril 5 mg
  • Zestril 10 mg
  • Zestril 20 mg
  • Zestril 30 mg
  • Zestril 40 mg.
 

Generic Zestril

Zestril is available as a generic medicine (see Generic Zestril).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;