Brand Name

Monopril {Bristol-Myers Squibb}

Generic Name

fosinopril, pronounced foe SIN oh pril

What is Monopril?

Monopril is a medication to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure, and is in a group of medications called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors {ACE inhibitors}. You may also be prescribed Monopril to treat congestive heart failure.

Monopril may also be used for purposes not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Monopril

PREGNANCY/BREASTFEEDING: You should not use Monopril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Monopril you should stop taking this medication and contact your doctor right away. Monopril may cause injury or death to an unborn baby if taken during your second or third trimester. You should be sure to use effective birth control while taking Monopril. If you plan to become pregnant talk with your physician about alternative methods to control your blood pressure.

You should not breast-feed while taking Monopril.

Do not give Monopril to a child younger than age six (6).

While you are taking Monopril you should not drink alcohol. Because drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure you may experience an increase in certain side effects of Monopril if you drink while taking it.

Unless your doctor has advised you to do so, you should not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Monopril.

Until you know how you will react to Monopril you should avoid getting up too fast from a lying or sitting position, as you may experience dizziness. Be sure to get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall, especially when you first begin your treatment with Monopril.

If you dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating (excessive exercise or extreme weather) you can easily become dehydrated while taking Monopril. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure. You should tell your doctor if you suffer from these symptoms while taking Monopril, and be certain to drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.

You should not take an antacid within 2 hours before or after taking Monopril.

Continue to use Monopril as your doctor has directed, and be sure to get your blood pressure checked regularly.

Before You Take Monopril

If you are allergic to fosinopril or to any other ACE inhibitor, like benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace) or trandolapril (Mavik) you should not take Monopril.

If you are on dialysis you should not take Monopril.

If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction you should let your doctor know before starting to take Monopril.

You should inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease or congestive heart failure before taking Monopril.

If you have diabetes you should tell your doctor before starting treatment with Monopril.

Let your doctor know if you have a connective tissue disease like Marfan syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis before taking Monopril.

Monopril Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• diuretics or water pills like amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone, Aldactazide), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide)
• gold injections to treat arthritis
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith)
• potassium supplements like K-Dur or Klor-Con
• salt substitutes that contain potassium

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Monopril. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Monopril

You should take Monopril exactly your doctor has told you to. It is important that you do not take Monopril in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

Monopril should be taken with a full glass of water

You may take Monopril with or without food.

Do not use an antacid within 2 hours before or after taking Monopril.

You may need to take Monopril on a long-term basis for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is important that you follow up with your doctor on a regular basis to be sure that Monopril is helping your condition and not causing you to have any adverse or harmful effects.

Monopril should be stored at room temperature, and away from both moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

If you miss a dose of Monopril you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, or if your next dose is less than 12 hours away you should skip the dose you missed.

Monopril Side Effects

Seek immediate emergency medical assistance if you experience any of the following adverse effects while taking Monopril:

• allergic reaction including breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue

Contact your physician immediately if you experience

• chest pain or shortness of breath
• bleeding that is unusual, like from your mouth, nose, rectum or vagina
• easy bruising or bleeding
• faint feeling, lightheadedness and paleness
• fever with chills, body aches and flu symptoms
• heartbeats which are fast, pounding or uneven
• high potassium signs, with symptoms like a slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness or a tingly feeling
• skin rash that is severe and blistering
• swelling with rapid weight gain
• urinary abnormalities, such as urinating less often or not at all

Less serious side effects of Monopril may include

• cold symptoms or cough
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• rash or itching that is mild
• nausea
• vomiting

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Monopril. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Monopril Description and Dosing

Monopril is available in 10 mg, 20mg and 40 mg tablets.

The 10 mg tablets are diamond-shaped, white and scored with flat ends imprinted with BMS on one side and Monopril:10 on the other side.

The 20 mg tablets are oval and white, unscorred imprinted with BMS on one side and Monopril: 20 on the other side

The 40mg tablets are white/off white, biconvex hexagonal tablets imprinted with BMS on one side and Monopril:40 on the other side

Your doctor will prescribe the correct dose of Monopril for you. Do not alter or change your dose of Monopril without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Monopril you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Monopril

Monopril contains the active ingredient fosinopril sodium.

Other inactive ingredients include lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, povidone, and sodium stearyl fumarate.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

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