Zestrol Information

Zestril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.

Zestril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Zestril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Zestril?

Do not use Zestril without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Zestril could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Zestril. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking this medication, unless your doctor has told you to.

Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking Zestril. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking Zestril.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Zestril?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lisinopril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Zestril.

Before you take this medicine, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

liver disease;

heart disease or congestive heart failure;

diabetes; or

a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. This medication could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using Zestril and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether lisinopril passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.