Monopril (fosinopril) is an ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Monopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or heart failure.
Monopril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Monopril if you are pregnant. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not use Monopril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking fosinopril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Monopril if you are allergic to fosinopril or similar medications--benazepril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.
If you have diabetes, do not use Monopril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking fosinopril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure Monopril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
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liver disease;
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a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren"s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis;
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if you are on a low-salt diet; or
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if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Monopril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Fosinopril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old.
How should I take Monopril?
Take Monopril exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Monopril can be taken with or without food.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking Monopril. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
While using Monopril, you may need frequent blood tests at your doctor"s office. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using it for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take Monopril.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of this medicine.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking this medicine, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Monopril side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Monopril: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, painful mouth sores, cough, trouble breathing;
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little or no urinating; or
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high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling).
Common Monopril side effects may include:
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cough, runny or stuffy nose;
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muscle or joint pain;
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dizziness, headache, tired feeling;
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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
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mild skin itching or rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Monopril?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Monopril, especially:
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gold injections to treat arthritis;
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lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);
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a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;
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salt substitutes that contain potassium; or
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a diuretic (water pill).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Monopril, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
