The combination of lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure. Lisinopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly. Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics ('water pills'). It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.

Special precautions

Before taking lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, benazepril (Listening), sulfa drugs, or any other medications.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other no steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Unsaid) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); other diuretics; other medications for high blood pressure; pain medications; and potassium supplements.

• tell your doctor if you are on dialysis or are being treated with desensitization (a process to reduce your reaction to an allergen) and if you have or have ever had allergies; asthma; diabetes; gout; high cholesterol; collagen vascular disease such as lupus or scleroderma (a condition in which extra tissue grows on the skin and some organs); heart failure; any condition that causes you to urinate less than you normally do; a stroke or 'mini-stroke'; heart, kidney, or liver disease; or angioedema, a condition that causes difficulty swallowing or breathing and painful swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.

• Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.

• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide.

• Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide. Alcohol can make the side effects from lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide worse.

• You should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

• You should know that lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.

Side effects

Lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness

• headache

• cough

• excessive tiredness

• pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet

• decrease in sexual ability

• heartburn

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

• hoarseness

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• stomach pain

• upset stomach

• vomiting

• fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection

• muscle pain, cramps, or weakness

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

• dry mouth

• thirst

• weakness

• restlessness

• confusion

• seizures

• decrease in urination

• lightheadedness

• fainting

• chest pain

• rapid, pounding, slow, or irregular heartbeat

• pain in big toe

• tingling in arms and legs

• loss of muscle tone

• weakness or heaviness in legs

• lack of energy

• cold, gray skin

Lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• lightheadedness

• fainting

• blurred vision

• dry mouth

• thirst

• weakness

• drowsiness

• restlessness

• confusion

• seizures

• muscle pains or cramps

• infrequent urination

• upset stomach

• vomiting

• rapid or pounding heartbeat

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication.

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