Zestril

Special warnings about Zestril

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

If you are being given bee or wasp venom to guard against future reactions, you may have a severe reaction to Zestril.

If you have congestive heart failure or other heart problems, a kidney disorder, or a connective tissue disease such as lupus, you should use this drug with caution. Your doctor may perform periodic blood tests while you are taking this medication.

If you are taking Zestril, a complete assessment of your kidney function should be done and kidney function should continue to be monitored. Zestril is used with great caution after a heart attack if the patient also has kidney problems.

This drug also should be used with caution if you are on dialysis. There have been reports of extreme allergic reactions during dialysis in people taking ACE inhibitor medications such as Zestril.

If you are taking high doses of a diuretic (water pill) and Zestril, you may develop excessively low blood pressure. This problem is also more likely if you are being treated for heart failure.

Zestril may cause some people to become dizzy, light-headed, or faint, especially if they have heart failure or are taking a water pill at the same time. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you are certain Zestril does not have this effect on you.

If you develop chest pain, sore throat, fever, and chills contact your doctor for medical attention. It could indicate a more serious condition.

If your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.

Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium. Limit your consumption of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, prunes, raisins, orange juice, and whole and skim milk. Ask your doctor for advice on how much of these foods to consume.