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Hydrochlorothiazide and Lisinopril Consumer Information

HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE AND LISINOPRIL

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril (hye droe klor oh THYE a zide and lie SIH no prill)

Brand Names: Prinzide, Zestoretic

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril?

• Lisinopril is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that lisinopril is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, lisinopril can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Do not take hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril if you are pregnant.
• Lisinopril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril, 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 hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril?

• Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It increases the amount of salt and water you lose in your urine. Hydrochlorothiazide is used to lower blood pressure and to decrease edema (swelling).
• Lisinopril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). Lisinopril is used to lower blood pressure and to relieve the symptoms of congestive heart failure, including shortness of breath and swelling of the legs.
• Hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril?

• Do not take hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril if you have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics. You may have an allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide.
• Lisinopril is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that lisinopril is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, lisinopril can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Do not take hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril if you are pregnant.
• Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril, tell your doctor if you
• have diabetes,
• have gout,
• have a collagen vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma,
• have pancreatitis,
• have kidney disease,
• have liver disease,
• have a blood or bone marrow disease,
• have any type of heart disease or have had a stroke,
• 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
• are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood.
• You may not be able to take hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Lisinopril is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that lisinopril is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, lisinopril can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Do not take hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril if you are pregnant.
• Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. It is not known whether lisinopril passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril?

• Take hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril 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.
• Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking your medication, your condition could become worse.
• Store hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I 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 I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril overdose include increased urination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, weakness, fatigue, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure, causing increased drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril.
• Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt may cause your body to retain water and may decrease the effects of hydrochlorothiazide. Ask your doctor or nurse about low-salt diet alternatives.
• Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor while taking hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril. These products could cause potassium levels in your blood to become dangerously high.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
• Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related adverse effects.