Zestril

Meaning of Zestril: Zestril is the brand name for lisinopril, a medication that lowers blood pressure by blocking a hormone that narrows blood vessels.

Definition of Zestril

Zestril is a brand name for lisinopril, a medication belonging to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, commonly known as ACE inhibitors. It works by blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure, so blocking this conversion allows blood vessels to relax and widen.

Zestril is used to treat high blood pressure and is also prescribed for certain forms of heart failure and to improve survival following a heart attack, since reducing the workload on the heart and blood vessels benefits several related cardiovascular conditions beyond blood pressure control alone.

Zestril is taken by mouth, typically once daily, and like other ACE inhibitors, it can raise potassium levels and affect kidney function, effects that are generally monitored with periodic blood testing during treatment.