Monopril HCT (Fosinopril Sodium-Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Monopril HCT

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What are ACE inhibitors and how do they work?

The class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, as the class name suggests, reduces the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme. ACE converts angiotensin I produced by the body to angiotensin II in the blood. Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical that causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract and narrow the blood vessels. Narrowing of blood vessels increases the pressure within the blood vessels and may lead to high blood pressure (hypertension).

By reducing the activity of ACE, ACE inhibitors decrease the formation of angiotensin II which leads to widening (dilation) of blood vessels, and thereby reduces blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure against which the heart must pump, the amount of work that the heart must do is reduced. ACE inhibitors also reduce blood pressure in the kidneys, slowing the progression of kidney disease due to high blood p...

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Monopril HCT Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril (Monopril HCT)?

Do not use this medication if you are unable to urinate.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril:

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
liver disease;
gout;
lupus;
diabetes; or
an allergy to sulfa drugs.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Fosinopril could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril (Monopril HCT)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take the medicine with a full glass of water.

Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking other diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

While you are taking this medication, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Your blood and urine may also be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.

Hydrochlorothiazide can interfere with the results of a thyroid test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using a thiazide diuretic.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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