Side Effects of Zestril

Zestril is a brand name for the medication lisinopril, prescribed to lower high blood pressure. Doctors also prescribe Zestril with other drugs to treat congestive heart failure and to improve survival chances after a heart attack. An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, Zestril relaxes blood vessels and allows them to widen. Several side effects are possible.

Common Side Effects

• Common but temporary Zestril side effects include blurred vision, coughing, dizziness, tiredness, headache, light headedness, diarrhea and nausea.

Rare Side Effects

• Unlikely side effects calling for medical attention include decreased sexual ability, fainting, chest pain, changes in the amount of urine and signs of infection such as fever and persistent sore throat.

Blood Counts

• Rarely, patients taking Zestril develop thrombocytopenia, an abnormally-low number of blood platelets. Zestril also can cause low red and white blood cell counts.

Liver Problems

• Another rare side effect of Zestril is serious liver problems. The patient should seek prompt medical attention for symptoms of jaundice, dark urine and persistent fatigue and nausea.

Pregnancy Concerns

• Zestril can cause severe birth defects and death to an unborn baby if taken during the last 6 months of pregnancy.