These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Zestoretic [posted 11/11/98]
Question: What are the side effects to taking Zestoretic? Could it cause arthritis?
Answer: Zestoretic is a combination of Zestril an ACE inhibitor and hydrochlorothiazide a diuretic. Neither would be prone to cause arthritis unless there was an allergic inflammatory component, very uncommon with either.
Zestral General Information [posted 11/11/98]
Question: Would you please tell me about the drug Zestral. What kind of a drug is it? I know it’s for treating blood pressure. Thank you very much.
Answer: Zestril is an ACE inhibitor. This is a class of drugs which inhibits the enzyme responsible for converting renin to angiotensin(a hormone which causes your blood vessels to narrow, and spasm). Since it is selective to the enzyme, there are usually only rare side effects. Renal function must be watched and 4-5% will experience a cough(which will last as long as you take the drug). Very effective drugs used in many problems with blood pressure and circulation with usually beneficial effects.
Zestril and Tiredness [posted 8/12/98]
Question: My boyfriend has been taking 20 mg zestril for high blood pressure for
about 6 weeks. For the last three weeks he has been staying extremely
tired and usually falls asleep every time he sits down. Do you think he
needs to see about having the dosage reduced or could something else be
wrong?
Answer: Try stopping the medication for one to two days. If he markedly improves, it is the medication. If not, it is something else. Many men who have mild hypertension suffer from sleep apnea – different problem, but very treatable. Does he snore? Does he stop breathing? Maybe that’s the problem.
Zestril Dosage [posted 7/30/98]
Question: 10 mg per day of Zestril does not seem to lower my blood pressure from undesirable 150/95 (age 72). Before discussing with my doctor I would like to know if this is generally considered a low, medium, or high dosage.
Answer: The ACE inhibitors (of which Zestril is one) work to inhibit Angiotensin formation from Renin (a hormone made by the kidney). So, if they are not working you have too low a dose or you do not produce much renin (so called low renin hypertension). 25% of Whites and 75% of Blacks, Indians, etc., have low renin hypertension. So, if the Zestril is not working switch to a drug which is effective in low renin hypertension, diuretics or calcium channel blockers. This is an average dose of Zestril.
Zestril [posted 7/23/98]
Question: I’m taking Zestril and recently started taking 200mcg of Selenium as well as 400iu of Vitamin E. Is there any reason why this combination should result in an elevated heart rate?
Answer: None of these should.
Zestril and PPH
Question: Has anyone made a connection between Zestril and the development of PPH?
Answer: This is not known to me, but you could check with the company Zeneca at 302-886-8000. They will have a
complete list of all reported side effects. However, this is rare to non-existent.
Zestril and Atenolol
Question: Could you please give me some information on the drugs Atenolol and Zestril? I need to know what they are used for and the side effects of each. Also, can they be used together?
Answer:
Zestril is a “Ace inhibitor”. This is a class
of drugs which block the conversion of renin to angiotensin by blocking the enzyme in the
lung responsible for this conversion. Hence, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE).
This class of drugs has remarkably few side effects except for cough. Occasional people
develop a rash or other problems, but most don’t know they are taking it.
Atenolol is a selective beta-blocker. Beta Blockers are common drugs used to treat many
different problems. They are very effective in treating hypertension, angina, rapid heart
beats, and have been used to treat stage fright and occasionally anxiety. They also have
similar side effects. Beta Blockers come as selective and non-selective. The non-selective
beta-blockers can cause some bronchospasm and asthma. The selective blockers can also, but
much less frequently. Common side effects to both selective and non-selective beta blockers
are fatigue, slow heart rate, nausea, nightmares and difficulty sleeping, impairment of
insulin release, depression, and occasional skin rash. These drugs should never be stopped
abruptly and require a tapering if discontinued.
Beta-blockers and ACE
inhibitors are used together commonly since they act in different manners in treating
hypertension.
Alternative
Question: How can I use another drug instead of “Zestril”?
Answer: Easy tell your doctor the problem and ask to switch. Other classes that are commonly used are beta-blockers, diuretics and calcium channel blockers.
Liver & Kidneys
Question: After a very general search, I found this e-mail opportunity. Can you tell me if the use of Zestril would inhibit the functions of the liver and the kidneys. Specifically, could the Zestril interfere with the body process of eliminating alcohol and give a higher reading on blood-alcohol testing equipment.
Answer: It has no interaction with alcohol or alcohol metabolism. It can occasionally inhibit renal function in occasional patients.
