Lisinopril/HCTZ (Type Z)

Uses of Lisinopril/HCTZ (Type Z)

This is a combination product containing 2 medications: lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide. It is used to treat high blood pressure.

Lisinopril belongs to a class of medications called ACE inhibitors and helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of medications called diuretics or “water pills” that help control blood pressure by getting rid of excess salt and water.

It may take up to 2 to 4 weeks to see the full benefits of the medication.

Precautions and Warnings

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.

Some people who are allergic to sulfonamide medications also experience allergic reactions to hydrochlorothiazide. Before you take this medication, inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially to sulfonamide antibiotics or diabetes medications. Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.

Tell your doctor if you are undergoing or will undergo desensitization treatment for an allergy. Desensitization treatment reduces the effects of the allergy (e.g., the reaction to bee or wasp stings), but it can sometimes cause a more severe allergic reaction if you are taking ACE inhibitors during the desensitization treatment.

Angioedema is a serious allergic reaction that causes swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these when you take lisinopril – hydrochlorothiazide, stop taking the medication at once and get immediate medical attention.

You should avoid taking any other medications in the ACE inhibitors class of medications. People who have had angioedema caused by other substances may be at increased risk of angioedema when they take an ACE inhibitor.

Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels may occur when taking hydrochlorothiazide. At the doses used in lisinopril – hydrochlorothiazide, this rarely causes problems. However, if you have high cholesterol, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnant women should not take this medication. When used during pregnancy, lisinopril can cause injury or death to the developing baby. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Medications similar to lisinopril pass into breast milk and hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking lisinopril – hydrochlorothiazide, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children. It is not recommended for children to use this medication.

Dosage

The Usual Adult Dosage for Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is Starting dose: 10 mg/12.5 mg once daily

The Maintenance dose: 10 mg/12.5 mg or 20 mg/12.5 mg once daily

The Maximum dose: 80 mg/50 mg per day (not commonly used)

Side Effects:

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up)
• Headache
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dry cough (due to lisinopril)
• Increased urination (due to HCTZ, especially in the first few weeks)
• Nausea or stomach discomfort