Zestoretic Uses (Cont.)

How Does Zestoretic Work?

Zestoretic is a combination of two medicines -- Zestril® (lisinopril) and hydrochlorothiazide. Zestril is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short. Zestril 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, Zestril causes blood vessels to relax.
 
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (a type of drug 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 Zestril and hydrochlorothiazide, Zestoretic can lower blood pressure. Because of its combined effects, Zestoretic causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.
 

Zestoretic Uses in Children

Zestoretic has not been approved for use in children.
 

Off-Label Zestoretic Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Zestoretic for treating a condition other than hypertension. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are no universally accepted off-label Zestoretic uses.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;