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ACE Inhibitors with Diuretics

  • Take these tablets at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • Commonly experienced side-effects include light-headedness and cough.

About ACE inhibitors with diuretics

Type of medicine ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor with a diuretic
Used for The treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure)
Also called Accuretic® (quinapril with hydrochlorothiazide);
Capozide® (captopril with hydrochlorothiazide);
Captopril with hydrochlorothiazide;
Carace Plus® (lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide);
Coversyl Arginine® Plus (perindopril arginine with indapamide);
Co-zidocapt (captopril with hydrochlorothiazide);
Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide;
Innozide® (enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide);
Zestoretic® (lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide);
Lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide;
Perindopril and indapamide;
Perindopril arginine and indapamide;
Quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide.
Available as Tablets

ACE inhibitors with diuretics work in combination to reduce blood pressure.

The ACE inhibitor works by causing blood vessels to relax, lowering pressure and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

The diuretic works on the kidneys to increase the flow of urine, reduce the amount of water in the body and reduce blood pressure.

Before taking ACE inhibitors with diuretics

Before taking these tablets make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you experience difficulty passing water.
  • If you suffer from kidney or liver disease, diabetes or gout.
  • If you suffer from Addison's disease (a hormonal disease).
  • If you suffer from a collagen vascular disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma.
  • If you are on a salt restricted diet or use salt substitutes which contain potassium.
  • If you have a heart condition, poor circulation, or aortic stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessel from the heart).

How to take ACE inhibitors with diuretics

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take these tablets at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Drinking alcohol may increase any feelings of dizziness or light-headedness. Drink alcohol only in moderation and be aware of its affects on you.

Can ACE inhibitors with diuretics cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Light-headedness or dizziness especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position Getting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing. If this continues, speak with your doctor
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues, speak with your doctor
Feeling or being sick, stomach pain, diarrhoea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast and drink water to replace any lost fluids
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
Blurred vision Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not able to see clearly
Dry cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, pins and needles, a ringing sensation in the ears, muscle cramps, skin rash, itching, changes in taste Speak with your doctor if troublesome

Important: If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or face, severe back pain, develop a severe sore throat, mouth ulcers or fever, or a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ACE inhibitors with diuretics

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3718		 DocRef:
dils3704		 Last Updated:
12 Mar 2008		 Date of Next Review:
12 Mar 2010		 Version:
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