ACE INHIBITORS WITH THIAZIDE - ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Prinzide, Vaseretic, Zestoretic

WARNING:
This drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician.

USES:
ACE inhibitors prevent certain enzymes in the body from constricting blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure and makes the heart beat stronger. Thiazides are diuretics (water pills) that help to reduce blood pressure. This medication is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
This medication may be taken without regard to meals. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, loss of taste, flushing, fatigue, cough or increased urination may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Inform your doctor if you develop chest pain, tingling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or a persistent sore throat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Be sure your doctor or dentist know your complete medical history, especially if you are planning to undergo any medical or dental procedures and of any heart problems. This medicine may make you more prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen. Limit your intake of alcohol and avoid overheating because this can aggravate dizziness and lightheadedness. Avoid “stimulant” drugs that may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold medicine. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or any other drugs because you may also be allergic to this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last six months of the pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take lithium, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing water pills, anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs or Motrin-like drugs), or digoxin because you may need to be monitored more closely If you take colestipol or cholestyramine, take this medicine 1 hour before or 4 hours after the cholesterol lowering medicine because of decreased absorption. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, unconsciousness, decreased in the amount of urine, muscle weakness, or fainting.

NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.