SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, or tiredness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Dry cough may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

The hydrochlorothiazide in this product may cause too much body water and salts to be lost (dehydration). Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms of dehydration: very dry mouth, extreme thirst, muscle cramps/weakness, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, confusion, fainting, seizures.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: irregular heartbeat, toe/joint pain, decrease in vision, eye pain, unusual change in the amount of urine (not including the normal increase in urine when you first start this drug).

This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual change in the amount of urine (not including the normal increase in urine when you first start this drug).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Read the Monopril HCT (fosinopril sodium-hydrochlorothiazide tablets) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either fosinopril or hydrochlorothiazide; or to other ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril); or to other thiazides (such as chlorothiazide); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a history of an allergic reaction that included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema), an inability to make urine (anuria).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease (such as renal artery stenosis), collagen vascular disease (such as lupus, scleroderma), gout, untreated salt imbalance (such as high calcium, high or low potassium, low magnesium), loss of too much body water (dehydration), blood filtering procedures (such as LDL apheresis, dialysis).

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

To help prevent dizziness, drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause you to feel lightheaded. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

This product may increase or decrease your potassium levels, which could cause side effects. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination, or signs of low blood sugar such as nervousness, hunger, and shaking. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this product, especially dizziness.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.)

Fosinopril and hydrochlorothiazide pass into breast milk, and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.