What is Lisinopril-HCTZ: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide is a generic blood pressure medication that combines an ACE inhibitor with a diuretic. Both reduce blood pressure but do so in different ways. Lisinopril widens blood vessels, while hydrochlorothiazide increases the body’s elimination of water and salt and decreases blood volume. The two drugs are commonly prescribed together when one drug is not successful. Doses are taken as tablets once daily.

Lisinopril-HCTZ overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Zestoretic

Generic Names:

  • Lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure

Therapeutic Classes:

  • ACE Inhibitor/thiazide combination, antihypertensive, cardiovascular agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Lisinopril-HCTZ used for?

Lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide helps reduce blood pressure in people diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) that is not being controlled by one drug.

What form(s) does Lisinopril-HCTZ come in

  • Tablet 

    • 10 mg lisinopril/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide

    • 20-12.5 mg

    • 20-25 mg

What are common Lisinopril-HCTZ doses?

  • For high blood pressure: 

    • Starting dose: 10 mg/12.5 mg–20 mg/12.5 mg tablet taken once daily

    • Maximum dose: 4, 20 mg/12.5 mg tablets taken once daily

Common Lisinopril-HCTZ prescriptions

  • Lisinopril-hydroCHLOROthiazide
    30 tablets bottle

  • Lisinopril-hydroCHLOROthiazide
    10-12.5mg tablet

  • Lisinopril-hydroCHLOROthiazide
    20-12.5mg tablet

  • Lisinopril-hydroCHLOROthiazide
    20-25mg tablet

How to take Lisinopril-HCTZ

  • Take this drug as directed. The dose may need to be changed at the start and during the course of treatment.

  • Do not take more than prescribed. If the medicine is not working, consult with the prescriber.

  • Lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide tablets can be taken with or without food.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. 

  • Store the tablets at room temperature protected from excessive light or humidity.

What to do if you miss a dose of Lisinopril-HCTZ

  • Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. 

  • If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

  • Take only one dose daily.

  • Do not take an extra dose to compensate for a missed dose.

Lisinopril-HCTZ contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. 

  • Do not use it if you: 

    • Are pregnant

    • Cannot urinate

    • Have known allergies to lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, other ACE inhibitors, or sulfa drugs

    • A history of face, neck, or intestinal swelling (angioedema) caused by an ACE inhibitor

Lisinopril-HCTZ warnings

  • Regular office visits and blood tests are required to monitor therapy and prevent potentially serious problems. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell all other doctors or healthcare providers that you are taking lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide.

  • Before taking lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide, tell the doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This drug can harm an unborn baby. Immediately inform the prescriber if you become pregnant while taking this drug.

  • Make sure the prescriber is familiar with all your medical conditions, particularly:

    • Kidney problems

    • Liver problems

    • Heart problems

    • Diabetes

    • Trouble urinating

    • Uric acid problems or gout

    • Electrolyte problems

    • Lupus

    • A heart problem called left ventricular outflow obstruction

  • Tell the prescriber if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

  • Lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide can cause serious problems in some people, including:

    • Low blood pressure

    • Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium, low sodium, low magnesium, and high calcium)

    • Angioedema (severe swelling) of the head, neck, or intestines

    • Liver problems

    • Kidney problems

    • High uric acid or gout

    • High cholesterol or fats in the blood

    • High blood sugar

    • Weakened immune system 

    • Sudden and severe glaucoma

    • Severe allergic or drug reactions

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Tell the prescriber if you experience symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Immediately inform the doctor if you notice signs of angioedema, such as swelling of the face or neck. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of intestinal angioedema.

  • This drug can weaken the immune system and make people vulnerable to infections. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Immediately contact the prescriber if you notice symptoms of an infection.

  • Drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting while you are using this medicine.

  • Lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide increase the risk of getting skin cancer. Wear sunscreen and do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Do not stop using the medicine without talking to the prescriber.

Lisinopril-HCTZ interactions

  • Do not take this medicine if you are taking the blood pressure medications:

    • Tekturna (aliskiren)

    • Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan)

  • Lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide has a long list of potentially dangerous drug interactions. Carry a list of all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take to share with the prescriber before you start taking this drug. Make sure the prescriber knows if you are taking:

    • Other blood pressure drugs

    • Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

    • Potassium-sparing diuretics

    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen

    • Diabetes medications, including insulin

    • Corticosteroids

    • Immune suppressants called mTor inhibitors, such as tacrolimus or everolimus

    • Narcotic medications (opioids)

    • Barbiturates

    • Muscle relaxants

    • Cholesterol drugs called bile acid sequestrants

    • Potassium supplements

    • Potassium-containing salt substitutes

    • Lithium

  • Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

  • When taking hydrochlorothiazide, alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or barbiturates may cause you to feel faint or fall down when you stand up.

Lisinopril-HCTZ side effects

Serious Side Effects

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a serious side effect, including:

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, weakness

  • Drowsiness, low energy, restlessness, confusion

  • Muscle pains, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, seizures

  • Infrequent urination, racing heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, numbness

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Fever, chills, sore throat, body aches

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Eye pain, vision changes

  • Severe abdominal pain

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Angioedema: swelling of the face, tongue, or neck, throat tightness, trouble breathing, abdominal pain

  • Allergic reaction: Itching, rash, hives, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, weak and rapid pulse

Less serious side effects

  • Dizziness

  • Headache

  • Dry cough

Sources:

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