Zestoretic

Special warnings about Zestoretic

If you develop swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or of your arms and legs, or have difficulty swallowing or breathing, you should stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment.

Zestoretic may cause your blood pressure to become too low. If you feel light-headed, especially during the first few days of treatment, inform your doctor. If you actually faint, stop taking Zestoretic until you have consulted your doctor.

Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium without first consulting your doctor.

Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could cause you to lose too much water and cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously.

If you develop chest pain, a sore throat, or fever and chills, contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness.

Make sure the doctor knows if you have congestive heart failure or other heart problems, diabetes, liver disease, a history of allergy or bronchial asthma, or lupus erythematosus (an arthritis-like disease sometimes accompanied by rashes). Zestoretic should be used cautiously. If you have kidney disease, your doctor should monitor your kidney function regularly.

If you are undergoing desensitization to bee or wasp venom, Zestoretic may cause a severe allergic reaction.

This medication is not recommended for people on dialysis; severe allergic reactions have occurred.

If you notice a yellowish cast to your skin or eyes, stop taking Zestoretic and contact your doctor immediately.

If you are diabetic, your doctor will want to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels.

Before any surgery, make sure your doctor or dentist knows you are taking Zestoretic.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zestoretic

Zestoretic may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

If Zestoretic is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zestoretic with the following:

Barbiturates such as Nembutal and Seconal
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Corticosteroids such as prednisone
High blood pressure drugs such as Procardia XL and Aldomet
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Insulin
Lithium (Lithonate)
Narcotics such as Darvon and Dilaudid
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Naprosyn
Oral antidiabetic drugs such as Micronase
Potassium supplements such as K-Dur and Slow-K
Potassium-containing salt substitutes
Potassium-sparing diuretics such as Midamor