Lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide medications are used together for the treatment of high blood pressure. Lisinopril reduces the levels of salt and water retained in the body, according to Drugs.com. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that encourages the body to remove urine, which reduces blood pressure. As with any medication, the use of lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide carries the risk of side effects.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, some of the identified side effects of lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazine include coughing, dizziness, feeling faint when standing, fatigue or headache. Other side effects are possible and may vary with each patient. EMedTV.com suggests these common side effects occur between 3.2 and 7.5 percent of the time. A cough occurs in 3.9 percent of individuals who use lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazine. It is not as common, but diarrhea, indigestion and erectile dysfunction can occur in more than 1 percent of cases, as reported by eMedTV.com.
Allergy or Sensitivity
Drugs.com warns that individuals who have ever had an allergic reaction or sensitivity to lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide or similar drugs should not take them in combination form. Signs of an allergy include facial swelling, hives and trouble breathing. Individuals who have developed serious swelling or fluid retention of other parts of the body should not use these medications either.
Serious Side Effects
The use of this medication can cause blood pressure to become too low, creating complications like lightheadedness or fainting. Using potassium products or substitutes should be approved by a doctor first, warns Drugs.com, to limit the risk of interaction. Serious side effects of using lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide may include excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, dehydration or vomiting. Drugs.com suggests this can cause an individual to lose too much water and experience a dangerously low drop in blood pressure. Other hazards may include chest pain, sore throat, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and fever or chills. These effects may indicate a more serious illness.
Complications
Individuals who have existing health concerns should alert their doctor before using the medication to reduce the risk of complications. Health conditions that can be exacerbated with the use of lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide include heart problems, diabetes, liver disease, allergies or bronchial asthma, or an arthritis-like disease that is sometimes accompanied by a rash.
Rare Hazards
EMedTV.com reports several possible side effects that occur in fewer than 1 percent of patients. These include dry mouth, constipation, back pain, knee pain, foot pain, reduced sex drive, depression or urinary tract infection.
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