Zestoretic

Hydrochlorothiazide and Lisinopril tablet

What is it used for?

HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE; LISINOPRIL is a combination of a diuretic and an ACE inhibitor. It is used for the treatment of high blood pressure.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• bone marrow disease
• decreased urine
• heart or blood vessel disease
• if you are on a special diet like a low salt diet
• immune system problems, like lupus
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• recent heart attack or stroke
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, insect venom, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Your doses should be taken at regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine prematurely except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• blood pressure medicines
• corticosteroids like prednisone
• diabetic medications
• diuretics, especially triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride
• lithium
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen
• potassium salts or potassium supplements
• prescription pain medicines
• skeletal muscle relaxants like tubocurarine
• some cholesterol lowering medications like cholestyramine or colestipol

This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Inquire with your doctor or health care professional regarding what your blood pressure should be and under what circumstances you should contact them. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice an irregular or fast heart beat.

Avoid getting dehydrated. Ask your doctor or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink per day. Check with them if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to go on taking this medicine.

Female patients should inform their doctor if they are planning to become pregnant during the treatment course or think that they might be already pregnant. Taking this medicine during pregnancy might cause serious side effects to your unborn child. Refer to your health care professional or pharmacist for more detail on the issue.

You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Refrain from using alcohol at all costs.

This medicine is capable of affecting your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, it is necessary for you to consult with your doctor or health care professional prior to changing the dosage of your diabetic medicine.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or health care professional.

This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, that is why you should keep out of it during the treatment course. If sun can’t be avoided, at least wear protective clothes and always use a sunscreen.You shouldn’t use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths during the treatment course.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

• confusion, dizziness, light headedness or fainting spells
• decreased amount of urine passed
• difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• fast or irregular heart beat, palpitations, or chest pains
• muscle cramps
• nausea and vomiting
• persistent dry cough
• redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
• stomach pain
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet
• unusual rash, bleeding or bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the skin
• worsened gout pain
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• cough
• decreased sexual function or desire
• headache

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect it from moisture and excessive light. Keep container tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.