Monopril HCT

Monopril HCT is used for the treatment hypertension. Hypertension adds to the workload of the heart and arteries which can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.

The risk of heart attacks is also increased if you have hypertension. When blood pressure is controlled, these consequences are less likely to happen.

Fosinopril works by blocking an enzyme in the body that is necessary to produce a substance that causes vasoconstriction resulting in the relaxation that lowers blood pressure while hydrochlorothiazide increase salt and water excretion by acting on the kidneys to increase urine output.

The net effect of these drugs is the increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Monopril HCT, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of fosinopril and hydrochlorothiazide combination have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established. Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the utility of fosinopril and hydrochlorothiazide combination.

Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since are more likely to have age-related kidney or heart problems. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate.

Risks to fetuses have been reported in studies of women who are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy but this may be outweighed by the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease.

Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

• Potassium supplements and potassium-sparing diuretics
• Lithium
• Antacids
• Gold
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
• Chlorthalidone
• Cimetidine
• Digoxin
• Metoclopramide
• Nifedipine
• Propranolol
• Propantheline
• Methenamine
• Beta-adrenergic blockers
• Tubocurarine
• Norepinephrine
• Cholestyramine and Colestipol resins
• or Warfarin.

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems such as:

• Angioedema
• Anuria
• Asthma
• Congestive heart failure
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Hyponatremia
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Gout
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Hyperuricemia
• Liver disease
• or Systemic lupus erythematosus

To use Monopril HCT properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. The treatment of hypertension may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium.

Consult with your healthcare professional before changing your diet. Hypertensive patients usually feel normal and will only feel the symptoms when extensive damage already occurred.

Compliance with your drugs and regular checkups are important to control your hypertension. You may have to do this for the rest of your life, since it can cause serious problems, such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease when left uncontrolled.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed.

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults with hypertension are given 1 or 2 tablets once a day. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Before using Monopril HCT, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Unwanted effects can be screened using blood tests.

Consult with your healthcare professional immediately if you have symptoms of angioedema such as:

• swelling of the face, arms, legs, eyes, lips, or tongue
• or problems with swallowing or breathing

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of intestinal angioedema such as stomach pain. Lightheadedness has been associated with the initial treatment of this drug.

If this becomes severe and you faint, stop using this medicine and talk to your doctor right away. Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you have any symptoms of neutropenia such as chills, sore throat, or fever.

Consult with your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not improve, or if they become worse within a few days. This drug has teratogenic potential and is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Inform your healthcare professional if you think you have become pregnant while using this drug. Check with your healthcare professional if you have symptoms of jaundice which may be signs of a serious liver condition.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional before use salt substitutes containing potassium as this drug may increase the amount of potassium in your blood.

Inform any healthcare professional who treats you that you are using this drug. You may be advised to stop using this drug several days before having surgery or medical tests.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Monopril HCT. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• chills
• cold sweats
• confusion
• decreased urination
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• dry mouth
• fainting
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• muscle cramps or pain
• numbness
• tingling
• pain or weakness in hands or feet
• rapid breathing
• seizures
• sunken eyes
• sweating, thirst, trembling, unusual tiredness or weakness
• weakness and heaviness of legs
• wrinkled skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.