Pregnancy
Do not use Zestoretic during pregnancy.
Lisinopril can harm a developing fetus, especially during the second and third trimesters.
If you become pregnant while taking Zestoretic, contact your healthcare provider right away. The medication should usually be stopped as soon as pregnancy is detected.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking Zestoretic.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed so another treatment can be considered.
Kidney Problems
Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease.
Zestoretic can affect kidney function, especially if you are dehydrated or take other medications that affect the kidneys.
Your healthcare provider may monitor your kidney function with blood tests.
Liver Problems
Zestoretic should be used carefully in people with liver disease.
Changes in fluid and electrolyte levels may be more serious in people with liver problems.
Rarely, ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril have also been linked to serious liver injury.
Dehydration and Low Blood Pressure
Hydrochlorothiazide helps remove extra fluid from the body.
Too much fluid loss can cause dehydration or a significant drop in blood pressure.
Symptoms may include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Dry mouth
- Reduced urination
The risk may be higher if you have vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, or are not drinking enough fluids.
Electrolyte Imbalances
Zestoretic can change the levels of electrolytes in your blood.
Hydrochlorothiazide may cause low levels of:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
Symptoms may include muscle cramps, weakness, tiredness, confusion, nausea, or an abnormal heartbeat.
Lisinopril can sometimes cause high potassium levels, so your healthcare provider may monitor your electrolytes regularly.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar
Hydrochlorothiazide may raise blood sugar levels.
If you have diabetes, monitor your blood glucose as directed and tell your healthcare provider if your readings change significantly.
Your diabetes medications may occasionally need to be adjusted.
Calcium Levels
Hydrochlorothiazide can reduce the amount of calcium removed in the urine and may increase blood calcium levels.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have hyperparathyroidism, high calcium levels, or another condition affecting calcium balance.
Allergic Reactions and Angioedema
Do not take Zestoretic if you have had a serious allergic reaction to lisinopril or another ACE inhibitor.
ACE inhibitors can rarely cause angioedema, which is sudden swelling under the skin.
Seek emergency medical attention if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or have difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Sulfonamide Sensitivity
Hydrochlorothiazide is a sulfonamide-derived medication.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a serious reaction to sulfonamide medications in the past.
Lithium
Zestoretic can increase lithium levels and raise the risk of lithium toxicity.
Symptoms may include tremor, confusion, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or poor coordination.
Lithium and Zestoretic generally require careful monitoring if they must be used together.
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen may:
- Reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of Zestoretic
- Reduce its diuretic effect
- Increase the risk of kidney problems
Check with your healthcare provider before regularly using NSAIDs while taking Zestoretic.
Other Drug Interactions
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you use.
Zestoretic may interact with other blood pressure medications, diuretics, potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, and other medicines that affect kidney function or electrolyte levels.
Monitoring During Treatment
Your healthcare provider may regularly check:
- Blood pressure
- Kidney function
- Potassium and sodium levels
- Other electrolytes
- Blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes
These tests help make sure Zestoretic is lowering your blood pressure safely.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if you develop severe dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, very little urine, severe weakness, confusion, or an abnormal heartbeat.
These symptoms may indicate a serious reaction, kidney problem, or electrolyte imbalance.
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