Zestril

What is Zestril

Zestril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Zestril is used to lower blood pressure, to treat congestive heart failure, and to improve the survival rate after a heart attack.

Zestril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Zestril

Do not take Zestril if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Zestril can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.

Zestril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking Zestril, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking Zestril.

Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with Zestril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

Who should not take Zestril

Before taking Zestril, tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease;
- are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood;
- are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone); or
- have diabetes.

You may not be able to take Zestril, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Zestril is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Zestril is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Zestril can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus.Do not take Zestril if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether Zestril passes into breast milk, and its effects on a nursing baby are not known. Do not take Zestril without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should take Zestril

Take Zestril exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Zestril can be taken with or without food.

Do not stop taking Zestril without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this medication suddenly, your condition could become worse.

Store Zestril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Zestril overdose include extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

Avoid while taking Zestril

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zestril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zestril. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness when you are taking Zestril.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Zestril except under the supervision of your doctor.

Possible side effects of Zestril

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zestril and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- difficulty breathing;
- little or no urine;
- an irregular heartbeat or changes in your heartbeat;
- chest pain;
- severe dizziness or fainting; or
- signs of an infection including a sore throat or a fever.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zestril and talk to your doctor if you experience
- mild dizziness or lightheadedness;
- headache;
- unusual fatigue or weakness;
- dry, tickling cough;
- muscle cramps;
- numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs;
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- a rash; or
- impotence.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Zestril

Before taking Zestril, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;
- salt substitutes that contain potassium;
- any of the diuretics (water pills) triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), spironolactone (Aldactone), or amiloride (Midamor);
- any other diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, others), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), indapamide (Lozol), and others;
- lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others); or
- indomethacin (Indocin).

You may not be able to take Zestril, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Zestril or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.