Zestril
Overview
- About Zestril
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
Return to topIf 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
- Lithium
- Potassium preparations
- Water pills that may or may not leave potassium in the body
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Return to topIf 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 for Zestril
Return to topADULTS
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.
People with kidney disorders must be carefully monitored, and dosages will be adjusted to the individual's needs, depending on kidney function.
Heart Failure
For this condition, Zestril is usually prescribed along with diuretics and digitalis. The recommended starting dose is 5 milligrams once a day, with the first dose taken under your doctor's supervision. The doctor may increase the dose by up to 10 milligrams at intervals of no less than 2 weeks. Typical long-term dosages range from 5 to 40 milligrams taken once a day.
Heart Attack
The usual dose is 5 milligrams within the first 24 hours after a heart attack, then 5 milligrams 24 hours later, 10 milligrams 48 hours later, and, finally, 10 milligrams once a day for 6 weeks. If low blood pressure is a problem, the doctor may recommend a lower dosage.
CHILDREN 6 YEARS OR OLDER
High Blood Pressure
The usual starting dose is 0.07 milligrams per day up to a total of 5 milligrams per day.
Zestril is not recommended in children younger than 6 years old or in children with poor kidney function.
OLDER ADULTS
The physician will adjust the dosage carefully, according to the individual's needs.
Overdosage
Return to topAny medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
A severe drop in blood pressure is the primary sign of a Zestril overdose.
