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Zestril
Zestril ® ( lisinopril) 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.
It is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
Some uses for Zestril include the following:
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.
When and How Do I Take Zestril?
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- It comes in tablet form and is taken once a day.
- You can take it with or without food.
- It 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 the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage 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 with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication 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.
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, seek immediate medical attention.
It 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 dose 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!
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.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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