Zestril

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.

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

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zestril

If Zestril 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 Zestril with any of the following:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin (Indocin)
Lithium (Lithonate, Eskalith)
Potassium preparations such as K-Phos and Micro-K
Water pills such as HydroDIURIL and Lasix, and others that leave potassium in the body, such as Aldactone and Midamor

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If it is taken during the final 6 months of pregnancy, Zestril can cause birth defects, prematurity, and death in the fetus and newborn. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and are taking Zestril, contact your doctor immediately to discuss the potential hazard to your unborn child. Zestril may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

High Blood Pressure

For people not on water pills (diuretics), the initial starting dose is usually 10 milligrams, taken 1 time a day. Your doctor will increase the dosage until your blood pressure is under control. The long-term dosage usually ranges from 20 to 40 milligrams a day, taken in a single dose.

Diuretic use should, if possible, be stopped before using Zestril. If not, your physician may give an initial dose of 5 milligrams under supervision before any further medication is prescribed.