What is Zestril?
Doctors commonly prescribe Zestril (lisinopril) to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children aged 6 years and older.
Patients may use it alone or combine it with other blood pressure medications to achieve better control over blood pressure levels.
Zestril is FDA-approved for the treatment of the following conditions:
- High blood pressure (Hypertension): Zestril is prescribed to lower high blood pressure in adults and children 6 years of age and older. It reduces blood pressure and lowers the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular problems. Patients can use Zestril alone or combine it with other blood pressure medications to manage hypertension effectively.
- Heart failure: Zestril helps lessen the symptoms of systolic heart failure in adults. It works in conjunction with other medications to enhance heart function and alleviate the strain on the heart, thereby making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
- Post-heart attack care: Zestril is used in adults who have had a heart attack. It lowers the risk of death after a heart attack by enhancing heart function and facilitating the heart’s recovery process more efficiently. This treatment is most effective when started within 24 hours of the heart attack.
While Zestril is effective for many patients, it is essential to note that there are specific contraindications to Zestril. People who are allergic to lisinopril or other ACE inhibitors should avoid using this drug.
Zestril is also not recommended for patients who have a history of angioedema (swelling of the deep layers of the skin) caused by ACE inhibitors. Additionally, pregnant women should not take Zestril, as it can harm the developing fetus.
Consult your doctor before starting any new medication, including Zestril, to ensure it is safe for individual health conditions.
How Does Zestril Work?
Zestril is a type of medication that helps the heart and blood vessels function more effectively. It belongs to a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme.
This enzyme helps the body make a substance called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure and requires the heart to work harder.
Zestril blocks this enzyme, so the body makes less angiotensin II. As a result, blood vessels stay relaxed and open, which lowers blood pressure. It also helps the body remove extra water and salt.
This lowers the pressure in the blood vessels and reduces the amount of effort the heart needs to pump blood.
By working this way, Zestril helps treat high blood pressure, improve heart failure symptoms, and lower the risk of death after a heart attack. It may take a few weeks to notice changes, especially for lowering blood pressure or helping with heart failure.
Zestril Dosage Information and Usage
Zestril is available as an oral tablet and is used daily to manage conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, and recovery after a heart attack.
The Zestril dosage you take depends on your condition, age, kidney function, and whether you are taking other medications, such as diuretics. Your doctor will usually start you on a low Zestril dose and gradually adjust it to meet your needs.
Always take your Zestril dose exactly as prescribed. Swallow the tablet with water and try to take it at the same time each day. If you forget to take your dose, skip it if it is almost time for the next one. Do not take two doses together.
Dosage Form and Strengths of Zestril
Zestril comes as a tablet that you swallow once daily. It is available in the following strengths:
- 2.5 mg tablets
- 5 mg tablets
- 10 mg tablets
- 20 mg tablets
- 30 mg tablets
- 40 mg tablets
How to Take Zestril?
The way you take Zestril and your dosage will depend on your condition. Below is a breakdown by condition and population.
For High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Adults (Zestril used alone): The starting dose is 10 mg once daily. The usual dose ranges from 20 mg to 40 mg once daily. The maximum daily dose is 80 mg.
- Adults (Zestril used with a diuretic): The starting dose is 5 mg taken once daily. Your doctor may adjust the dose of the diuretic or Zestril to help manage your blood pressure effectively.
- Children (6 years and older): The starting dose is 0.07 milligrams per kilogram taken once daily, with a maximum dose of up to 5 milligrams. The usual dose may be gradually increased to 0.61 milligrams per kilogram, with a maximum limit of 40 milligrams per kilogram. This medication is not recommended for children under the age of six or for pediatric patients with severe renal impairment.
For Heart Failure (used with other heart failure therapies)
The starting dose is 5 mg once daily. If sodium levels are low, the starting dose is 2.5 mg once daily. Gradually increase the dose to a maximum of 40 mg once daily. Adjust the diuretic dose to prevent hypovolemia.
After a Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Adults should take 5 mg on the first day within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. On the second day, take 5 mg 24 hours after the first dose. On the third day, take 10 mg 48 hours after the first dose.
Continue with a maintenance dose of 10 mg once daily for at least six weeks. If you have low blood pressure, start with 2.5 mg and adjust to 5 mg or back to 2.5 mg if needed.
People with Kidney Problems
If you have reduced kidney function, your doctor may start your Zestril dose at half the usual starting dose.
For high blood pressure, the starting dose is usually 5 milligrams. For dialysis, the starting dose is usually 2.5 milligrams.
The maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 milligrams. Your doctor will carefully adjust your Zestril dosage based on your kidney function and response to treatment.
Zestril Side Effects
When taking Zestril, you may experience some mild or severe side effects.
Common Zestril tablet side effects include headache, dizziness, cough, and tiredness. Serious Zestril adverse reactions may include chest pain, kidney problems, high potassium levels, and allergic reactions.
Being aware of the side effects of Zestril is important so you can get help if needed and know what to expect when starting the medication.
Common Side Effects
These Zestril side effects are usually mild and may go away after a few days or weeks:
- Dry cough
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue or low energy
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Skin rash
- Low blood pressure
- Blurry vision
Severe Side Effects
Some Zestril adverse reactions can be serious. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of the following:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Dark urine or low urine output
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe tiredness or confusion
- Bruising or bleeding more easily
- Fever or sore throat (signs of low white blood cells)
- Seizures
- Sudden weight loss
- Signs of allergic reaction, such as itching, flushing, or swelling
Warnings and Precautions for Zestril
While Zestril can be beneficial for many people, it also comes with important warnings and precautions.
These are serious health risks that may happen when using Zestril, especially in certain groups of people.
- Zestril can harm an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, so it should be stopped as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.
- Zestril can cause swelling in the face, lips, tongue, throat, or intestines, which may lead to trouble breathing or abdominal pain.
- People taking other medications like mTOR inhibitors or neprilysin inhibitors may have a higher risk of angioedema.
- Some patients may have a severe allergic reaction while on dialysis or during allergy treatments with venom.
- Zestril may worsen kidney function, especially in people with kidney disease, heart problems, or dehydration.
- Zestril can lower blood pressure too much, which may lead to dizziness, fainting, kidney failure, or even death, especially in people with heart conditions or low salt levels.
- Patients who are dehydrated or on dialysis should start Zestril only with close monitoring.
- Patients having major surgery or under anesthesia may experience low blood pressure if they are taking Zestril.
- Zestril can increase potassium levels in the blood, especially in individuals with kidney problems or those taking potassium supplements or certain diuretics.
- Zestril can cause liver problems, starting with yellowing of the skin or eyes, and may lead to liver failure and even death. Patients should stop taking Zestril if liver issues develop.
Zestril Drug Interactions
Zestril can interact with other medications and cause serious side effects or make some drugs less effective.
Inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking before starting Zestril. This helps prevent problems and ensures your treatment remains safe and effective.
- Spironolactone
- Triamterene
- Amiloride
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Celecoxib
- Diclofenac
- Indomethacin
- Meloxicam
- Insulin
- Diabetes medications
- Temsirolimus
- Sirolimus
- Everolimus
- Heart medications
- Blood pressure medications
Alternative Medications to Zestril
If Zestril is not the right medication for you, other options can help treat high blood pressure, heart failure, or help after a heart attack.
These alternatives work in different ways, and your doctor can help you choose one that best fits your needs.
- Lotensin (benazepril)
- Vasotec (enalapril)
- Altace (ramipril)
- Cozaar (losartan)
- Diovan (valsartan)
- Entresto (sacubitril and valsartan)
- Tekturna (aliskiren)
- Aldactone (spironolactone)
- Chlorthalidone
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Lasix (furosemide)
- Tenormin (atenolol)
- Lopressor (metoprolol)
- Coreg (carvedilol)
- Norvasc (amlodipine)
- Cardizem (diltiazem)
- Calan (verapamil)
- Catapres (clonidine)
- Cardura (doxazosin)
- BiDil (isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine)
- Hydralazine
- Corlanor (ivabradine)
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Crestor (rosuvastatin)
Order Budget-Friendly Zestril from Canada
If you are taking Zestril to manage high blood pressure or protect your heart, it is essential to stay on treatment as directed. However, the Zestril cost in the United States can make that difficult.
At Pharma Giant, we make it easy for you to get the same trusted medication from licensed Canadian pharmacies at affordable prices.
We also offer bulk pricing, allowing you to save more when you order a 3-month supply, thereby reducing the overall cost of Zestril.
Pharma Giant has a team of licensed pharmacists in Canada that verify every prescription. We show you the total cost of Zestril upfront so there are no surprises.
Our platform is easy to use, and we handle your order with care. You can also join our referral program and sign up for our newsletter to enjoy even more savings, including a Zestril coupon.
With Pharma Giant, you save time and money while maintaining control over your health.
How to Order Zestril Online?
- Use the search bar to find Zestril, select the correct strength, and add it to your cart.
- Enter your contact, shipping, and payment details securely at checkout. Apply PGSAVE10 as a Zestril coupon code to get a 10% discount on your first order.
- Upload a scanned copy of your prescription, fax it to 1-888-562-8159, or submit it later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
| Have a prescription?
Order Ozempic online today and enjoy a host of benefits, including: |
 |
