ZESTORETIC

Drug Name: ZESTORETIC

ZESTORETIC DESCRIPTION:
ACE INHIBITORS WITH THIAZIDE - ORAL

COMMON ZESTORETIC BRAND NAME(S):
Prinzide, Vaseretic, Zestoretic

ZESTORETIC SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, loss of taste, flushing, fatigue, cough or increased urination may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. ZESTORETIC can increase sensitivity to sunlight. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Inform your doctor if you develop chest pain, tingling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or a persistent sore throat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ZESTORETIC:
ZESTORETIC: ZESTORETIC may be taken without regard to meals. Take ZESTORETIC exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking ZESTORETIC without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It is important to continue taking ZESTORETIC even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

ZESTORETIC WARNING:
ZESTORETIC can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using ZESTORETIC and immediately contact your physician.

ZESTORETIC USES:
ACE inhibitors prevent certain enzymes in the body from constricting blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure and makes the heart beat stronger. Thiazides are diuretics (water pills) that help to reduce blood pressure. ZESTORETIC is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

ZESTORETIC PRECAUTIONS:
Be sure your doctor or dentist know your complete medical history, especially if you are planning to undergo any medical or dental procedures and of any heart problems. This medicine may make you more prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen. Limit your intake of alcohol and avoid overheating because this can aggravate dizziness and lightheadedness. Avoid "stimulant" drugs that may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold medicine. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or any other drugs because you may also be allergic to ZESTORETIC. ZESTORETIC should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last six months of the pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. ZESTORETIC passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ZESTORETIC DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take lithium, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing water pills, anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs or Motrin-like drugs), or digoxin because you may need to be monitored more closely If you take colestipol or cholestyramine, take this medicine 1 hour before or 4 hours after the cholesterol lowering medicine because of decreased absorption. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ZESTORETIC OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, unconsciousness, decreased in the amount of urine, muscle weakness, or fainting.

ZESTORETIC NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking ZESTORETIC. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor.

MISSED ZESTORETIC DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

ZESTORETIC STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.