MONOPRIL (FOSINOPRIL)

Monopril Description

Monopril or generic Fosinopril is a prescription drug for treating high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Most people only find out they are hypertensive through a routine doctor exam. Unless diagnosed and treated, hypertension can cause a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. You may need to take Monopril or generic Fosinopril long-term if eating healthy, exercising, and quitting smoking does not improve your blood pressure.

How Monopril Can Reduce Your BP and Avoid Other Health Risks

This is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drug that prevents your body from producing the angiotensin converting enzyme that is responsible for the production of the protein that constricts blood vessels in your cardiovascular system.

Narrowed vessels mean your blood flow is restricted and your heart will have a harder time pumping blood to other organs in your body. The force on your artery walls is increased and your blood pressure begins to rise. This constant force of blood flow on the arterial walls can cause damage that may lead to plaque build-up and a possible heart attack or stroke.

Conditions Treated by Monopril

If you have congestive heart failure, your doctor may recommend that you take Monopril to make certain your blood pressure is controlled as hypertension is the second most common cause of heart failure, with heart attack as the number one cause. Heart failure can occur when your heart‘s pumping action is not strong enough to move blood around because of damage to this muscle from a heart attack or other cardiac conditions.

Before You Take Monopril

Ask your doctor if Monopril is safe to take if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies you have that could interfere with taking Monopril. Check that any OTC and Rx drugs, herbal remedies, or vitamin supplements you currently take or use will not interact negatively with Monopril.

While Taking Monopril

A lifestyle change will also help Monopril do its job and some individuals may be able to maintain a proper blood pressure without drugs. You should not start, stop, or alter your dosage of any meds you are prescribed as this may affect how other drugs will work for you.

Monitor your blood pressure by accessing the drugstores that offer the do-it-yourself testing and keep a record so your doctor can determine if the dosage is correct. Everyone’s blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day so do not be alarmed if your reading is higher or lower than usual, but call your doctor if you feel your dosage may adjusting.

Possible Side Effects of Monopril

• Cough
• Headache
• Dizziness