Zestril is the brand name of an antihypertensive drug that contains lisinopril as its active ingredient. Its main uses include:
The improvement of blood flow through the vessels is beneficial to people with congestive heart failure. There is greater supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. The improved blood flow also means there is a less chance of kidney damage caused by high blood pressure in the blood vessels that supply the kidney.
Zestril is manufactured and marketed in Canada by Astra Zeneca Pharma. It is available in three strengths: 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg.
This medication works by dilating the blood vessels. It does so by relaxing the muscles of the blood vessels. This helps improve blood flow and reduces the pressure in the vessels. Lisinopril belongs to the class of drugs known as ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors prevent the formation of angiotensin II, which is the chemical responsible for causing muscle contraction in the blood vessels. This means that the muscles re-relaxed and there is improved blood flow through them, and the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood. This improves the chances of survival of those with congestive heart failure and prevention of a possible stroke.
Zestril is the trade name for lisinopril dehydrate. There are other generic brands available on the market such as Prinivil, which is manufactured by Merck; Mylan-lisinopril, which is manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals; and Sandoz-lisinopril, which is manufactured by Sandoz.
This medication is used to reduce blood pressure, reduce chances of getting a stroke, improve survival after a heart attack, and treat congestive heart failure. It is prescribed by your doctor as required depending on the particular condition being treated in your specific case. You should take the medication exactly as prescribed. Usually, the doctor will start you off on the 5mg dose and then increase the dose to achieve the desired effect as needed for the condition that is being treated.
Heart failure: 5mg dose daily initially. This can be increased by 10mg every 2 weeks to achieve maximum effect. The effective dosage is between 5mg and 40mg.
High blood pressure: Starting dose is usually 10mg.The usual dose is 20mg to 40mg daily.
Heart attack: 5mg initially then 5mg after 24 hours. A 10mg dose is given 48 hours later and then daily thereafter.
You should take your tablet daily as prescribed at the same time of the day. Keep taking the medication even if you start feeling better. Do not adjust the dose by yourself. Your blood pressure would need to be checked regularly to verify if the drug is working.
Lifestyle changes such as increase exercise, having a low fat/cholesterol diet, and smoking cessation can help improve the effects of this medication and make it work better.
This medication may exhibit side effects. If the effects are adverse and cannot be handled or tolerated, you should immediately report to your doctor or pharmacist. Some of the side effects that may be experienced from using Zestril include, but are not limited to:
To reduce the feeling of dizziness and lightheadedness that is felt when taking this medication, you should stand up slowly when getting from a sitting or lying position especially soon after taking the drug.
Please tell your doctor if you are currently taking any medication and if you have any known chronic conditions such as angioedema, heart or kidney disease, lupus, or diabetes.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy, as it may cause potentially damaging effects to the unborn child. Please use contraceptives while you are on lisinopril and stop taking the medication as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. It has not been established whether lisinopril passes in breast milk. Please contact your doctor before breastfeeding while on this medication.
This medication may make you dizzy and affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. It may disturb general coordination and balance. Please inform your doctor if you intend to drive or operate heave machinery. The doctor may need to adjust your dose or advise otherwise. This medication may increase your potassium levels. Please inform your doctor if you are on any potassium containing supplements or if you suffer from an electrolyte imbalance. It is also important to stay hydrated while taking this medication.
This medication is contraindicated in the following cases:
Using this medication together with certain drugs may change the effects of one or the other. It is important to notify your doctor and/or pharmacist of any medication that you currently are taking or intend to use concurrently with Zestril. This includes medication obtained with or without a prescription. Some of the medication that would interact with Zestril include, but are not limited to:
Please do not stop taking this medication abruptly. Always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before stopping the medication or altering the dose. The medication listed above may interact with lisinopril to varying degrees. Some of the interactions require no medical attention and will wear off as soon as the drugs have left the system; however, you should seek medical assistance if you feel uncomfortable and cannot tolerate the effects of using the drugs together.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the time is closer to when you need to take the next one, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on a dose to make up for a missed one.
Seek immediate medical attention or call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms of overdose include lightheadedness and fainting.
You should take Zestril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose is 5mg to 20mg once daily but may be increased beyond that based on the doctor’s discretion.
You can buy Zestril from YouDrugStore.com with a valid prescription.