Monopril HCTZ (Fosinopril Hctz)

Description

Indications

This medicine consists of two active ingredients and is used for managing high blood pressure (hypertension). By reducing high blood pressure, it aids in the prevention of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney issues. Fosinopril is categorized as an ACE inhibitor, working to dilate blood vessels for improved blood flow. Meanwhile, hydrochlorothiazide functions as a diuretic, encouraging the body to expel excess salt and water, consequently increasing urine output, facilitating smoother blood circulation.

Uses and Dosage

Take this medication orally, with or without food, as instructed by your physician, typically once daily. If taken too close to bedtime, it might prompt nocturnal urination. To avoid this, consume the medication at least 4 hours before bedtime.

Dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.

Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can hinder fosinopril absorption. If using such antacids, ensure a time interval of at least 2 hours before or after taking this product.

If concurrently taking cholesterol-lowering medications (bile acid-binding resins like cholestyramine or colestipol), maintain a gap of at least 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after taking fosinopril/hydrochlorothiazide.

Consistently use this medication to maximize its benefits. To aid in adherence, administer it at the same time each day.

It may take several weeks to experience the full effects of this medication. Continue usage even if feeling well, as hypertension often presents without symptoms.

Inform your doctor if your condition doesn’t improve or worsens (evidenced by persistent or elevated blood pressure readings).

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• headache
• tiredness
• dry cough
• joint or muscle pain
• diarrhea
• constipation
• skin rash
• increased sweating

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• 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 the hands or feet
• rapid breathing
• seizures
• sunken eyes
• sweating
• thirst
• trembling

Caution

• Prior to taking this medication, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to fosinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, other ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), other thiazides (such as chlorothiazide), or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
• Before commencing this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of allergic reactions resulting in facial/lip/tongue/throat swelling (angioedema), liver disease, kidney disease, lupus, gout, untreated salt imbalances, dehydration, blood filtration procedures, or skin cancer.
• This drug may induce dizziness. Consumption of alcohol or marijuana may exacerbate this effect. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you can do so safely.
• Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to dehydration and dizziness. Notify your doctor if you experience severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, ensure adequate fluid intake unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
• This medication may heighten sun sensitivity and increase the risk of skin cancer, particularly with prolonged use.
• Minimize sun exposure, avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, apply sunscreen, and wear protective clothing outdoors. Promptly notify your doctor if you experience sunburn, skin blistering/redness, or notice new or altered moles/skin lesions.
• This product may impact potassium levels, potentially causing side effects. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
• For individuals with diabetes, this medication may influence blood sugar levels. Monitor blood sugar regularly as directed, and inform your doctor of any abnormalities such as increased thirst/urination (indicative of high blood sugar) or sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling in the extremities (suggestive of low blood sugar). Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes management regimen accordingly.
• Elderly individuals may be more susceptible to the side effects of this medication, particularly dizziness and changes in urine output (indicative of kidney issues).
• Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Pregnancy is contraindicated while using this product, as fosinopril may harm the unborn baby. If pregnancy occurs, promptly discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of continuing this medication.
• Fosinopril and hydrochlorothiazide are excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Monopril HCTZ is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Monopril HCTZ (form):
  • 10 / 12.5 mg
  • 20 / 12.5 mg

FAQ

When’s the best time to take Monopril HCTZ?

Monopril HCTZ can be taken at any time of day as long as it is taken at consistent times. Ideally, this medication should be taken several hours before bedtime to avoid needing to wake to urinate.

I was just diagnosed with high blood pressure. Should I ask my provider about starting Monopril HCTZ?

Monopril HCTZ isn’t recommended for people who are newly diagnosed with high blood pressure, because it’s difficult to customize the dose since it’s a combination of two medications.

Resources

1. https://www.goodrx.com/fosinopril-hctz/what-is#faqs
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fosinopril-and-hydrochlorothiazide-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20069135
3. https://www.rxlist.com/monopril-hct-drug.htm
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-2447/fosinopril-hydrochlorothiazide-oral/details
5. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/hydrochlorothiazide-and-fosinopril.html