Monopril

Generic name: Fosinopril

Brand name: Monopril

Monopril Information:

Monopril belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician if you need to learn more information about this drug.

Don’t stop treatment with Monopril earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor even if you notice improvements of your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery or climbing until you are aware how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol. It may lower your blood pressure and increase some of the side effects of Monopril. Always contact a medic before giving Monopril to a child.

What symptoms or conditions should I report to a doctor before I take this medicine?

It is important to report to a doctor if you have or had the following conditions:

• allergy to Monopril, other preservatives, foods, medicines or dyes
• allergies to other ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, benazepril), history of an allergy which swelling of the tongue, face, throat, lips angioedema), other type of allergy including allergies to bee or wasp stings, or exposure to certain membranes used for blood filtering
• heart problems
• liver or kidney disease
• strokes
• severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium)
• high blood levels of potassium
• diabetes (poorly controlled)
• blood vessel disease (e.g., collagen vascular diseases such as scleroderma, lupus)
  

How to take Monopril:

Note: This remedy was prescribed to you only. Don’t share this medicament with others. Follow strictly your doctor’s recommendations. Don’t take more or longer than your doctor recommended.

Monopril is taken orally with a glass of water with or without food. If you are also taking antacids, it is better to separate these medicines by at least 2 hours. Take the doses on the rigid schedule.

Overdosage:

Taking any medicine in large doses you can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, contact your health care professional instantly.

In large doses, this remedy may cause the following conditions: severe dizziness, slow heartbeat and fainting.

What should be done if I missed the dose?

In case you forgot to take the dose, take it at your earliest opportunity. Never double your dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Take only one dose at once.

What may this drug interact with:

• lithium
• “water pills” (diuretics such as furosemide)
• other hig
• blood pressure medications
• potassium-sparing “water pills” (diuretics such as spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene)
• other heart drugs (e.g., digoxin)
• trimethoprim-containing medications (e.g., trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole)
• salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., potassium chloride)
• drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., azathioprine)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib, indomethacin)

This list of interactions may be not complete. Provide your medical practitioners entire list of medicines, herbs, dietary supplements or non-prescription drugs you take. Moreover tell them whether you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Particular items may interact with your drug.

Which side effects can I perceive from this remedy?

Contact your physician immediately if you notice any of the following

Serious side effects:

• allergy like skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, hives, itching, difficulty breathing
• dark urine
• fainting
• persistent fatigue or nausea
• decreased sexual ability
• stomach/abdominal pain
• change in the amount of urine
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever, chills)

Less serious side effects:

• dizziness, weakness
• lightheadedness
• vomiting, nausea
• blurred vision
• dry cough

This list of side effects may be not complete, others may occur. Inform your medical practitioners about all side effects you experience.

Be Attentive:

Don’t use salt substitutes or potassium supplements during treatment with Monopril, unless your doctor recommends doing so. Don’t take it if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying to get pregnant.  Avoid standing or sitting up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Doctor may advise you to make medical tests (e.g., potassium blood level, kidney function) to monitor your progress or check for side effects.

Ask your physician if you need to know more information. Check the pulse rate and blood pressure regularly. Don’t treat yourself for colds, coughs or pain during treatment without consulting your doctor. Be careful, some ingredients may increase your blood pressure. Consult your physician about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

Where should I keep this medicament?

Monopril should be stored at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Monopril out of the reach of children and away from animals.

Warning: Before taking the drug you need to consult your doctor. The information contained in this article is not intended to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, directions, uses, allergic reactions or warnings.

John Buducci

He knows everything about medications – to which pharmacological group the drug belongs, what components are included in its composition, how it differs from its analogs, what indications, contraindications, and side effects remedy has. John is a real pro in his field, so he knows all these subtleties and wants to tell you about them.