Prinzide

Common Name: lisinopril - hydrochlorothiazide

How does Prinzide work?

Lisinopril - hydrochlorothiazide is a combination product that contains two medications to treat high blood pressure. Lisinopril belongs to a class of medications called ACE inhibitors and helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic or "water pill" that helps control blood pressure by getting rid of excess salt and water. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Prinzide?

Once the dose of each component (lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide) that best controls your blood pressure has been determined, the combination tablets can be started. The recommended dose ranges are: lisinopril 10 mg - hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg: 1 tablet once daily lisinopril 20 mg - hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg: 1 or 2 tablets once daily lisinopril 20 mg - hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg: 1 or 2 tablets once daily. This medication can be taken with or without food. Lower doses may be used for people who take other medications that lower blood pressure (e.g., diuretics) or people who have kidney disease. It may take up to two weeks to see the full effects of the medication. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is important that this medication be taken regularly and exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does Prinzide come in?

Prinzide is available in strengths of 10 mg lisinopril/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide, 20 mg lisinopril/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide, and 20 mg lisinopril/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide. 10 mg/12.5 mg: Each blue, hexagon-shaped tablet, coded "MSD 145" on one side and "PRINZIDE" on the other, contains lisinopril 10 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg. 20 mg/12.5 mg: Each yellow, round, fluted-edge tablet, coded "MSD 140" on one side and "PRINZIDE" on the other, contains lisinopril 20 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg. 20 mg/25 mg: Each orange, round, fluted-edge tablet, coded "MSD 142" on one side and "PRINZIDE" on the other, contains lisinopril 20 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: For 20 mg/12.5 mg tablets and 20 mg/25 mg tablets: calcium phosphate, cornstarch, iron oxide, magnesium stearate, and mannitol. For 10 mg/12.5 mg tablets: calcium phosphate, cornstarch, indigotine on aluminum substrate, magnesium stearate, and mannitol.

What should I NOT take with Prinzide?

This medication should not be taken by anyone who: is allergic to lisinopril or hydrochlorothiazide or any ingredients of this medication is allergic to sulfa (sulfonamide) medications has a history of angioedema (a serious allergic reaction which causes the area around the throat and tongue to swell) after taking any ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, ramipril) is unable to urinate

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Prinzide?

Angioedema: Angioedema (a serious allergic reaction which causes the area around the throat and tongue to swell) may occur with use of lisinopril. If you experience swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, stop taking lisinopril - hydrochlorothiazide at once and get immediate medical attention. Other medications in the class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors should not be taken in the future. People who have had angioedema caused by other substances may be at increased risk of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor. Cholesterol: Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels may occur when taking hydrochlorothiazide. Diabetes: Hydrochlorothiazide may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. Dose adjustment of antidiabetic agents, including insulin, may be required. Fluid and electrolyte balance: Increases in blood levels of potassium may occur for some patients who receive lisinopril - hydrochlorothiazide. The levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride can be reduced by the use of hydrochlorothiazide. The doctor will periodically check to see if these are in balance. Warning signs or symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance include: dryness of mouth thirst weakness lethargy drowsiness restlessness seizures confusion muscle pains or cramps muscular fatigue low blood pressure racing heartbeat nausea and vomiting Gout: High levels of uric acid may occur in the blood or gout may be brought on in certain people receiving hydrochlorothiazide. Kidney function: Changes in kidney function have been seen in certain people (e.g., people with narrowed blood vessels in their kidneys, or those with severe congestive heart failure). The use of diuretics (water pills) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may further increase risk of kidney problems for people alerady at risk for this problem. Low blood pressure: Occasionally, blood pressure drops too low after taking lisinopril - hydrochlorothiazide. This usually happens after the first or second dose or when the dose is increased. It is more likely to occur for those who take water pills, have a salt-restricted diet, are on dialysis, are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting, or have been sweating excessively and not drinking enough liquids. If low blood pressure causes you to faint or feel lightheaded, contact your doctor. Pregnancy: Pregnant women should not take lisinopril. If you discover you are pregnant, stop taking this medication at once and contact your doctor. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether lisinopril passes into breast milk, but hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk. This medication should not be taken by nursing mothers. Children: The safety and effectiveness of lisinopril - hydrochlorothiazide for children have not been established. Its use by this age group is not recommended.