by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: September 28, 2010   Last Updated: October 02, 2010

Prinzide is a prescription only drug with a combination of Hydrochlorothiazide and Lisinopril.  Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide type diuretic (water pill). It increases urine production and eliminates excess water and salts from the body. Lisinopril is an Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE Inhibitor) and it widens the arterial lumen and reduces blood pressure.

What are the indications?

The combination of these drugs reduces blood pressure more effectively than a single agent alone. But this drug does not cure hypertension. In addition, this drug combination is effective for heart failure as well. When the heart gradually fails, the body retains fluid. This causes symptoms like edema, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties at night. Breathing problems are caused by fluid collecting in the lungs.

Once the patient is on Prinzide, edema will go down because Hydrochorothiazide can excrete excess fluids. Dilatation of vessels by Lisinopril reduces workload of the failing heart and allows it to function longer. This drug also increases life expectancy in heart failure patients.

 Lisinopril is effective in diabetes nephropathy without as well. But it does not reduce blood glucose levels. In diabetes nephropathy kidney failure can occur due to problems caused by diabetes.

Before starting this medication your doctor should know your complete medical history, including over the counter medication you are on.

What the doctor should know/do before writing the prescription?

 If you have kidney disease like renal artery stenosis a doctor will not start you on Prinzide. In addition, if you have liver problems your doctor should know that as well. Liver diseases can cause problems with Hydrochlorothiazide. Other than that, if you have a heart disease called aortic or mitral valve stenosis doctor may not prescribe this medication as well. Additionally Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can cause problems with this drug.

 If you are pregnant or nursing, your doctor will not start you on Prinzide. It is important to note that, taking Prinzide in pregnancy can harm your unborn baby. Even though this drug is not present in breast milk in significant amounts, manufacturers advise to avoid during breast feeding.

Serum potassium levels can go up with this medication. So during therapy, the doctor will do several blood tests to see whether your body electrolytes are in the normal range.

What patients should know?

This medication should be taken whole with a full glass of water. It should not be crushed before taking. This can be taken with or without meals. It must not be shared with anybody.

Common side effects are dizziness and low blood pressure. Gastro intestinal disturbances like nausea and vomiting are common side effects.

Sources

British National Formulary

Rxlist

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