LISINOPRIL; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (lyse IN oh pril; hye droe klor oh THYE a zide) treats high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels and helps your kidneys remove more fluid through the urine, which lowers blood pressure. This medication is a combination of an ACE inhibitor and diuretic.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Bone marrow disease
Decreased urine
Diabetes
Diet low in salt
Heart or blood vessel conditions
Immune system problems, such as lupus
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
Recent heart attack or stroke
An unusual or allergic reaction to lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, other medications, insect venom, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Cidofovir
Dofetilide
Sacubitril; valsartan
Tranylcypromine
This medication may also interact with the following:
Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital
Celecoxib
Certain medications for cholesterol, such as cholestyramine or colestipol
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
Diuretics, such as triamterene, spironolactone, or amiloride
Lithium
Medications for blood pressure
Medications for diabetes
Medications that relax the muscles for surgery
NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Opioid medications for pain
Potassium salts or potassium supplements
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
Gout—severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joints, such as the big toe
High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness, fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Change in sex drive or performance
Cough
Dizziness
Headache
Upset stomach
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team. Call your care team if you notice an irregular or fast heartbeat.
You must not get dehydrated. Ask your care team how much fluid you need to drink a day. Check with them if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.
Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your care team.
Talk to your care team about your risk of skin cancer. You may be more at risk for skin cancer if you take this medication.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
