Zestoretic

Zestoretic is a medication that is licensed for the treatment of high blood pressure in adults. It is a combination of two medicines: Zestril (lisinopril) and hydrochlorothiazide. While Zestoretic does not cure high blood pressure, it has been shown to effectively reduce blood pressure levels by causing blood vessels to relax and decreasing blood volume. Common side effects of Zestoretic include cough, headache, and dizziness. Zestoretic comes in a tablet form that is taken once a day.

 

What Is Zestoretic?

Zestoretic® (lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medicine used for controlling high blood pressure in adults. The medication is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 
Zestoretic has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click Zestoretic Uses for more information on what the medication is used for.)
 

Who Makes Zestoretic?

Zestoretic is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
 

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