Prinzide

Who is Prinzide for ?

The combination of lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by various conditions, including heart disease. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This combination medication contains lisinopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (or ACE-inhibitor), and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic. Lisinopril lowers blood pressure by preventing the formation of angiotensin II, a hormone in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict or narrow. This narrowing of blood vessels due to the angiotensin II hormone is an important component of high blood pressure. Blocking the production of angiotensin II hormone causes blood vessels to relax or dilate, thus reducing blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide, a "water pill," causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.

When should I be careful taking Prinzide ?

Do not take lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide, call your doctor immediately.

Before taking lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially allopurinol (Zyloprim); anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin); anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or Nuprin), indomethacin (Indocin), or naproxen (Aleve); corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); digoxin (Lanoxin); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for diabetes; other diuretics ("water pills"); other medications for high blood pressure; potassium or calcium supplements; probenecid (Benemid); or vitamins. If you are also taking cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma; diabetes; gout; high cholesterol; lupus; or heart, kidney, liver, thyroid, or parathyroid disease.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide will affect you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Side Effects

Although side effects from lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• muscle weakness or cramping
• numbing or tingling in the hands or feet
• cough
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• loss of appetite
• excessive tiredness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• chest pain
• fast heartbeat
• fainting
• fever
• sore throat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes