Monopril (Fosinopril Sodium)

(foe sin' oh pril)

Do not take fosinopril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking fosinopril, call your doctor immediately. Fosinopril may harm the fetus.

Fosinopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Fosinopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently. High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

Fosinopril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. To help you remember to take fosinopril, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take fosinopril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of fosinopril and gradually increase your dose. Fosinopril controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Continue to take fosinopril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking fosinopril without talking to your doctor.

Before taking fosinopril,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fosinopril; other ACE inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik); any other medications; or any ingredients in fosinopril tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking valsartan and sacubitril (Entresto) or if you have stopped taking it within the last 36 hours. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take fosinopril, if you are also taking valsartan and sacubitril. Also, tell your doctor if you have diabetes and you are taking aliskiren (Tekturna, in Amturnide, Tekamlo, Tekturna HCT). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take fosinopril if you have diabetes and you are also taking aliskiren.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Lithobid); and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• if you are taking antacids (Maalox, Mylanta), take them 2 hours before or after fosinopril.
• tell your doctor if you are on dialysis and if you have or have ever had lupus; scleroderma (a condition in which extra tissue grows on the skin and some organs); heart failure; high blood pressure; diabetes; or liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking fosinopril.
• you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these instructions carefully.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Fosinopril may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• cough
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• headache
• excessive tiredness
• weakness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
• lightheadedness
• fainting

Fosinopril may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to fosinopril. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to fosinopril. Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking fosinopril. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. ¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.