Prinzide

Prinzide is a prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It is made up of two medicines: a diuretic and an ACE inhibitor. The combined effects of these two medicines result in more significant decreases in blood pressure levels than either does on its own. Prinzide comes in a tablet form and is available in a number of different strengths. Side effects of Prinzide may include cough, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.

 

What Is Prinzide?

Prinzide® (lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medicine used for controlling high blood pressure in adults; however, it is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 
Prinzide has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click Prinzide Uses for more information.)
 

Who Makes Prinzide?

Prinzide is manufactured by Merck & Co.
 

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. It 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.
 
(Prinzide Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;