Cilazapril is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure and to prevent kidney problems in people with diabetes. Cilazapril is also called Zapril.
What is cilazapril?
Cilazapril has many different effects on the body and is used to treat a variety of conditions. It belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors. Cilazapril may be used for:
- high blood pressure by relaxing and widening your blood vessels and lowering your blood pressure
- heart failure to help your heart pump blood more easily – this can help to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your feet, legs and abdomen (tummy)
- diabetic kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy) to protect your kidneys and help them to function.
Cilazapril can work quickly for hypertension (high blood pressure). If you have heart failure it may be a few weeks before you notice an improvement in your symptoms.
Dose
In Aotearoa New Zealand cilazapril is available as tablets (500 micrograms, 1mg, 2.5mg and 5mg).
- The dose of cilazapril will be different for different people depending on your condition.
- Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose so it doesn't make you feel dizzy. Your dose will be increased slowly over a few weeks depending on how you respond. This allows your body to get used to the medicine and reduces side effects.
- Always take your cilazapril exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much cilazapril to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.
- Check with your pharmacist if your tablets are different to what you expect.
How to take cilazapril
- Timing: Cilazapril is usually taken once a day. Take your cilazapril dose at the same time each day. It's best taken in the morning. You can take cilazapril with or without food.
- Limit alcohol intake while you are taking cilazapril. Alcohol can increase your chance of side effects such as dizziness and light-headedness.
- Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose.
Who can't take cilazapril?
Cilazapril isn't suitable if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It's also not suitable if you've had a severe allergic reaction to an ACE inhibitor in the past, eg, swelling of your lips, eyes or tongue (called angioedema). Read more about who can't take ACE inhibitors. If you're already taking diuretics (water pills), your doctor will monitor you very closely when you first start taking cilazapril.
Things to consider while you are taking cilazapril
Monitoring
Your doctor will arrange for you to have blood tests and blood pressure checks before you start taking cilazapril and during your treatment, especially when you first start taking it. This is to check how it's working and to check your kidneys and potassium levels.
Have a sick day plan
If you have diarrhoea (runny poo) or vomiting (being sick) from a stomach bug, or you're dehydrated from another illness, it’s important to let your healthcare provider know. They may advise you to decrease your dose or stop taking your cilazapril for a few days, and start again when you feel better.
Be careful when taking some pain relief medicines
ACE inhibitors can be used to protect your kidneys from damage if you have diabetes. However, if you are taking cilazapril and diuretics (water pills), the combination of these with NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory pain relief medication) can be very harmful to your kidneys. It can cause acute kidney injury. This combination is called the ‘dangerous trio’ or ‘triple whammy’. There's a higher risk of harm to your kidneys if you are also an older adult (over 65 years) or are dehydrated.
If you are taking an ACE inhibitor with a diuretic, don't use NSAIDs for pain relief. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a safer option. Read more about NSAIDs and protecting your kidneys.
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What are the side effects of cilazapril?
Like all medicines cilazapril can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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| Did you know that you can report a side effect from a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product. | |
Learn more
The following links provide more information on cilazapril.
Cilazapril (Māori) New Zealand Formulary Patient Information
Zapril Apo-Cilazapril Medsafe Consumer Information
References
- Cilazapril New Zealand Formulary