Monopril

Generic name: Fosinopril sodium

What is Monopril?

Monopril is a type of blood pressure-lowering medication known as an ACE inhibitor. It stops a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from becoming a more powerful chemical that raises your blood pressure by making your blood vessels narrower and causing your body to retain salt and water. Monopril is used to lower your blood pressure when taken alone or in combination with other medications.

Monopril is also prescribed to help manage heart failure in combination with conventional therapy, including diuretics with or without digitalis.

What is the most important information I should know about Monopril?

If taken during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, Monopril can cause serious harm or even death to an unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking Monopril, you should stop taking Monopril immediately and tell your doctor right away.

Monopril can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction leading to extreme swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or gut (causing severe abdominal pain). If you experience any of these symptoms you should seek emergency medical attention right away.

Make sure your doctor knows if you have any type of liver impairment or injury. Monopril may rarely cause a yellowing of the skin or eyes, which can be a sign of liver injury. If this occurs tell your doctor immediately.

Monopril may cause lightheadedness or fainting, especially upon standing from a lying or sitting position. If you get any type of infection (sore throat/fever) while taking Monopril you should promptly report it to your doctor. Monopril may decrease your blood levels of infection fighting white blood cells, especially if you have systemic lupus erythematosus or kidney disease. If you have these diseases your doctor will most likely monitor you closely by taking regular blood samples.

Monopril should be taken with caution in patients who have congestive heart failure or kidney disease.

Who should not take Monopril?

You should not take Monopril if you have had a previous allergic reaction or are sensitive to Monopril or any other ACE inhibitor.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Monopril?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Monopril. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, have congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease, or if you have ever had an allergy or sensitivity to an ACE inhibitor such as Monopril.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Hypertension

Adults: The usual initial dose is 10 milligrams (mg) taken once daily. The usual maintenance dose is 20-40mg taken once daily, however your doctor may increase your individual dosage up to 80mg taken once daily based on your condition.

Children: The usual dosage for children weighing more than 110 pounds (50kg) is 5 to 10mg taken once daily. An appropriate dosage strength is not available for children weighing less than 110 pounds.

Heart Failure

Adults: The usual initial dose is 10 milligrams (mg) taken once daily. Your doctor will likely observe you at this dose and may increase your daily dose over several weeks up to 20-40mg taken once daily.

How should I take Monopril?

Monopril can be taken with or without food and should be taken at the same time every day.

What should I avoid while taking Monopril?

You should avoid operating automobiles or heavy machinery until you know how Monopril will affect you. You should avoid becoming dehydrated and drink adequate fluids while taking Monopril, because dehydration could cause your blood pressure to drop too low. You should not take salt substitutes or supplements containing potassium unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Separate taking an antacid with Monopril by at least 2 hours.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Monopril?

If Monopril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Monopril with the following: antacids; diuretics; injectable gold products; lithium; potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone, amiloride and triamterene; potassium supplements; salt substitutes containing potassium.

What are the possible side effects of Monopril?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: dizziness, cough, low blood pressure, muscle pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, or upper airway infection.

Can I receive Monopril if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Monopril should not be taken during pregnancy. Taking Monopril while you are pregnant could cause serious harm or even death to your unborn baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Monopril is excreted in breast milk, and should not be taken if you are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Monopril?

If you forget to take Monopril, do not double your next dose. Skip the dose you missed and then return to your normal dosing schedule.

How should I store Monopril?

Store Monopril at room temperature in a tightly closed container and protect from moisture.