Prinzide Uses

Uses for Prinzide: An Overview

Prinzide^® (lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to control high blood pressure (hypertension).

 

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers, for example 120/80 mmHg. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg with multiple blood pressure readings.

 

Based on clinical studies, Prinzide has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The higher the dose of Prinzide, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be. By lowering blood pressure, Prinzide can also decrease the risk of developing health problems (such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure) that are often associated with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). Prinzide is not a cure for high blood pressure.

 

How Does Prinzide Work?

Prinzide is a combination of two medicines -- Prinivil^® (lisinopril) and hydrochlorothiazide. Prinivil is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short. Prinivil helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, Prinivil causes blood vessels to relax.

 

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (commonly referred to as a "water pill"). It works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.

 

Because of the effect of both Prinivil and hydrochlorothiazide, Prinzide can lower blood pressure. As a result of its combined effects, Prinzide causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.