Zestoretic Side Effects

Zestoretic is a drug prescribed to reduce high blood pressure, which helps prevent heart attacks, strokes and kidney problems. Doctors also prescribe Zestoretic to treat congestive heart failure and to protect the kidneys in patients with diabetes. Many side effects are possible.

Identification

• Zestoretic contains two medications. Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which relaxes and widens blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which allows better elimination of excess fluid and sodium.

Most Common Side Effect

• Dizziness is the most common side effect associated with Zestoretic. You can decrease the effects of dizziness and lightheadedness by not getting up quickly when sitting or lying down.

Other Side Effects

• Other side effects reported in 3 percent to 5 percent of participants in clinical studies with Zestoretic, as detailed by eMedTV, included coughing, fatigue and headache.

  Other rare but serious side effects include life-threatening liver problems, high blood-sugar, high potassium blood levels, and a decrease in white blood cells that can lead to infection. Zestoretic also can activate gout or lupus in a susceptible person.

Pregnancy Warning

• Zestoretic should never be used during the last six months of pregnancy because it can cause severe birth defects or the death of the developing baby.

Allergic Reaction

• Rarely, some people have an allergic reaction to Zestoretic. Signs are rash, itching, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, and extreme swelling of the face, mouth, throat or gut, along with severe abdominal pain.