What is Monopril HCT (Fosinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide) 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.

Fosinopril, the active ingredient within Monopril, works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels so blood can flow at an easier pace. Hydrochlorothiazide is a “water pill” and causes your body to get rid of any extra salt and water from your body, which may increase the amount of urine your body makes when your first begin the medication. It also is known to help relax the blood vessels so that the blood can flow more easily.

This medication is to be taken by mouth, with or without any food. And usually only once a day. If you take this medication at bedtime, it may increase the changes of you having to urinate in the middle of the night, to prevent this take this medication about 4 hours before bedtime.

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.

If you are also taking medication to lower your cholesterol, be sure to take Monopril HCT at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these other medications.

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 hydrochlorothiazide; or to other ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril); or to other thiazides (such as chlorothiazide); or to any other medications or allergies in general.

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 taking this medication, it is for the best to inform you doctor of you Medical history. Especially of; liver disease, kidney disease (such as renal artery stenosis), lupus, 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), skin cancer.

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.

Some of these side effects may occur when taking this medication; they are as follows; Dizziness, lightheadedness, or tiredness 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.

This product may cause a loss of too much body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss, including: extreme thirst, very dry mouth, muscle cramps/weakness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, confusion.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), toe/joint pain, decrease in vision, eye pain, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

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 very serious side effects: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding.

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 taking this medication?

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

 What is the best dosage to take?

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

 What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose as soon you realize you have forgotten. If the forgotten dose is closer to your 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.