Zestoretic® (lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide)
Alternative brand (trade) names: Prinzide.
What is Zestoretic® ?
This is a mixture of two medicines called lisinopril dihydrate and hydrochlorothiazide.
What is Zestoretic® used for?
Zestoretic is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
How does Zestoretic® work ?
Zestoretic combines two medicines that have different ways of working and which doctors know leads to a greater lowering of blood pressure and usefulness in some people than with either medicine used alone.
- Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor which blocks the production of a hormone (chemical signal carried in the blood) called angiotensin II.
- Angiotensin II is a chemical that is made by the body, which narrows blood vessels and thereby maintains (elevates) blood pressure.
- ACE is an enzyme (a chemical that controls other chemical reactions) in the body that is important for the formation of angiotensin II.
- When ACE is blocked by lisinopril, angiotensin cannot be converted into its active form, angiotensin II.
- Blood pressure falls due to relaxation and widening of the arteries.
- Angiotensin II is a chemical that is made by the body, which narrows blood vessels and thereby maintains (elevates) blood pressure.
- Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill):
- It works by stopping the re-absorption of salts and water from the kidneys back into the bloodstream.
- This results in increased urine output (diuresis) and loss of salt in the urine, which help to lower blood pressure.
- It works by stopping the re-absorption of salts and water from the kidneys back into the bloodstream.
How is Zestoretic® given ?
Zestoretic is supplied as tablets.
It is very important to take medicines for high blood pressure as often as your doctor has told you to, even if you do not feel ill. This is because high blood pressure, if not treated, can lead progressively to diseases of the heart and blood vessels and eventually to serious illness, such as a heart attack or stroke.
It is also important to follow any lifestyle instructions that your doctor has given to you, like trying to give up smoking, reducing your weight, doing more exercise and eating a healthy diet.
Country specific information
To consult your local information.
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