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May 27, 2012

Monopril HCT

ACE Inhibitors »

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...

Read the ACE Inhibitors article »

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Monopril HCT

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Monopril HCT Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Monopril HCT

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril (Pronunciation: hye droe klor oh THY a zide and foe SIN oh pril)

What is hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril (Monopril HCT)?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Fosinopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Fosinopril lowers blood pressure and also relieves symptoms of fluid retention.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or congestive heart failure.

Hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Fosinopril-HCT 10 mg-12.5 mg-RAN

round, white, imprinted with RC 3

Fosinopril-HCT 20 mg-12.5 mg-RAN

round, white, imprinted with RC 4

Monopril HCT 10 mg-12.5 mg

round, peach, imprinted with 1492

Monopril HCT 20 mg-12.5 mg

round, peach, imprinted with 1493

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril (Monopril HCT)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling);
low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling);
dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting;
feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
urinating less than usual or not at all;
swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

cough;
dizziness, headache, tired feeling;
joint or muscle pain;
diarrhea, constipation; or
mild skin rash, increased sweating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about 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).

Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or are on dialysis), liver disease, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.

Fosinopril can cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Do not use hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet, and do not take potassium supplements while taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril, unless your doctor has told you to.

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.

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