Monopril

The active ingredient in Monopril is fosinopril sodium, which is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, or ACE inhibitor. It prevents a protein known as ACE from forming a hormone called angiotensin II. This relaxes your blood vessels so blood flows more easily and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Monopril. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Monopril:

• Monopril can be taken with or without food.
• If you are experiencing persistent diarrhea or vomiting, or if you are perspiring more than normal, give your doctor a call. Dehydration is a common side effect of using Monopril. Kidney failure, an electrolyte imbalance, or extremely low blood pressure (hypotension) might result from this.
• You may require frequent blood tests and regular blood pressure checks.
• The outcomes of some medical tests may be impacted by this medication. Inform any medical professional you see that you take Monopril.
• Even if you feel better, continue taking this medication if you have high blood pressure. Symptoms of high blood pressure are frequently absent.
• Do not take potassium supplements or use salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

The most common side effects of Monopril seen in clinical trials include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Weakness or tiredness.
• Cough.
• Chest pain.
• Upper respiratory infection.
• Muscle pain.
• Abdominal pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Monopril. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe swelling, or angioedema, includes swelling in the face, arms, legs, lips, tongue, or throat; wheezing; nausea; vomiting; and excruciating stomach pain.
• Pale skin, lightheadedness, dizziness, and a faint feeling are signs of dangerously low blood pressure.
• Hepatitis. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and dark colored urine.
• Low white blood cells (neutropenia). Report any signs of infection, such as sore throat, fever, or chills.
• Severe kidney problems include unexplained weight gain, edema in your hands, ankles, or feet, and less frequent urination than usual.
• High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in the blood can cause heart palpitations, irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, and nausea.
• Severe allergic reaction symptoms include rash, breathing difficulties, and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Monopril. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Monopril, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Extreme allergic response, including angioedema.
• Cardiovascular conditions like heart disease and recent heart attacks.
• Low blood pressure.
• If you follow a diet low in salt.
• Liver problems.
• Kidney disease, or if you're receiving dialysis.
• Diabetes and are taking the blood pressure medication Aliskiren.
• Taken any medication that includes sacubitril, such as Entresto, within the past 36 hours.

• Angioedema.
• Taking aliskiren (Tekturna) together for individuals with hyperglycemia.
• Taking at the same time or within 36 hours of neprilysin inhibitors, such as Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan).

Within an hour of starting to use fosinopril, your blood pressure may begin to decrease. However, it may take two to six hours for this drug to start working at its best. Before you notice more regular changes in your blood pressure, you may need to take this medicine for a few weeks.

When Monopril is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• A diuretic or "water pill" that may increase blood potassium, such as spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride.
• Medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection, such as temsirolimus, sirolimus, or everolimus.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs<) - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
• Other heart or antihypertensive medications.
• An antacid, such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and others (avoid taking within 2 hours of Monopril).
• Digoxin.
• Lithium.

The usual dose of fosinopril is as follows:

Adults: 10 mg taken orally once daily is the usual starting dosage. Your doctor will gradually increase your dosage if necessary. The typical daily dosage is between 20 and 40 mg.

Children who weigh 50 kg or more: 5–10 mg taken orally once a day is the usual dosage.

Store the Monopril at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is the company that manufactures Monopril.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available.

Never stop taking Monopril or reduce your dosage without first consulting your physician. Stopping this medication abruptly can cause your blood pressure to be elevated and could cause serious complications.

If you get pregnant, stop taking this medication and notify your doctor immediately. If fosinopril is taken during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, it may harm or even kill the fetus.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed, as fosinopril passes into breast milk. They will know or recommend what is best for you.