Healthy Heart Review

Zestril is an ACE inhibitor.   As with other ACE inhibitors their purpose is to act on a weak heart to improve heart condition and help prevent heart failure. Zestril can also be used for other purposes including the treatment of some kidney problems. You should discuss the purposes of this versatile medicine with your doctor.

Zestril Facts

Agiotensin II is a chemical that causes hypertension.  In order to prevent blood pressure  from increasing, we have to inhibit the production of angiotensin II. ACE inhibitors  inhibit the activity of the enzyme responsible for making angiotensin II. In this way the production of angiotension decreases and obviously the blood pressure keeps within its normal parameters.

Common uses of Zestril

-    Zestril is used to treat hypertension
-    Prevents heart attacks and strokes
-    Improves the health state after a the suffering of an heart attack
-    Treats kidney problems developed by type II diabetes

Dosage

• Zestril should be administrated according to your doctor’s directions

• Usually Zestril is administrated daily generally once a day

• Every dose has to be taken with water but not necessary with food

• Discuss with your doctor whether you should stop taking Zestril if you need to undergo surgery

• Make sure you  are kept under observation during the whole treatment especially if you have kidney or liver problems

• Even if you are feeling better don’t interrupt the treatment, mostly when you suffer of high blood pressure

• If you have missed taking your dose take the missed dose as soon as possible but not close to the next dose. If this happens skip the dose and go through the normal schedule.

Safety Precautions when taking Zestril

• Avoid driving or handling other machinery which requires attention because Zestril causes dizziness
• You should not mix alcohol with this drug, so avoid consuming alcohol during the treatment
• Drink adequate liquids to avoid dehydration
• If you suffer from kidney or liver problems, type I diabetes, or a blood vessel disease (lupus, scleroderma), Zestril should not be used as treatment
• If you are allergic to one of Zestril components or to other ACE inhibitor, you shouldn’t use Zestril
• Zestril may be used until the first three months of pregnancy but  after your first trimester you should ask you doctor about alternative medications or if you should continue using Zestril. Studies at this stage,   have not indicated whether Zestril is expressed in  breast milk.   You should consult your doctor about the use of Zestril.
• Zestril may react with other drugs so you should inform your doctor of all medications and natural therapies that you are taking

Zestril may interact with other drugs or supplements. Also the effect of  Zestril  may be diminished when it interacts with other drugs,

Some of  the drugs that it may react with are mentioned below:

-    anti – inflammatory drugs: aspirin, ibuprofen
-    insulin or other diabetes drugs
-    diuretics ( water pills)
-    potassium supplements
-    salts substitutes containing potassium

Side effects from taking Zestril

Common side effects are generally mild and may include dizziness, headache, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.  In some rare instances, serious side effects may occur and include:

-    chest pain
-    reduced sexual appetite and ability
-    fainting
-    changes in urination, more often or not  at all
-    abdominal pain
-    allergic reaction: rash or itching

Should you experience any of the rare and/or serious side effects discontinue use and consult a doctor immediately.    If you want more information click here.