What is Monopril (Fosinopril) prescribed for?

High Blood Pressure is when the force of blood presses against the walls of your arteries. When it’s too high, your heart has to work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body.  This in turn, can cause serious damage to your arteries.  By lowering it can prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It can also be used to treat heart failure.

This medication Fosinopril, which is the active ingredient within Monopril, is an ACE inhibitor. It is a heart medication that relaxes and widens or dilates the blood vessels, which increases the amount of blood your heart pumps and lowers blood pressure. This allows the blood to flow at an easier pace.

This medication is to be taken by mouth, with or without any food. And usually once or twice a day.

Remember the dosage given to you is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment.

Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can decrease the absorption of fosinopril. If you take an antacids that contains aluminum or magnesium, take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after having this product.

For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. For the treatment of heart failure, it may take weeks to months before you get the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (such as your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic to Fosinopril; or to other ACE inhibitors (such as benazepril); or to any other medications or allergies in general.

Before taking this medication, it is for the best to inform you doctor of you Medical history. Especially of; history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema), blood filtering procedures (such as LDL apheresis, dialysis), high level of potassium in the blood.

Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of too much body water (dehydration) and increase your risk of lightheadedness. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. Be sure to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

Some of these side effects may occur when taking this medication; they are as follows; Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Dry cough may also occur. However if any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat).

Although fosinopril may be used to prevent kidney problems or treat people who have kidney problems, it may also rarely cause serious kidney problems or make them worse. Your doctor will check your kidney function while you are taking fosinopril. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine.

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

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

What happens if I suddenly stop giving my dog this medication?

There may be a relapse in symptoms as well as side effects. You should speak your vet before stopping taking this medication.

What is the best dosage to take?

The diagnosis with your vet will be able to determine the best dosage for your pets treatment. Work with your vet closely for dosage and dosing schedules.

What happens if I miss a dose?

You should give the missed dose as soon you realize you have forgotten. If the forgotten dose is closer to your pets next scheduled dose, take the next schedule dose to avoid overlapping in dose.

What is the best way to store this medication?

This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in the wastebasket. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist for help in safely disposing of this medication.