Monopril HCT

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril (hye droe klor oh THY a zide and foe SIN oh pril)

Brand Names: Monopril HCT

What is Monopril HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril)?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Fosinopril is an ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Fosinopril lowers blood pressure and also relieves symptoms of fluid retention.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or congestive heart failure.

Hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Monopril HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril)?

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not use this medication if you are unable to urinate.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or are on dialysis), liver disease, glaucoma, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet, and do not take potassium supplements while taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Monopril HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril)?

Do not use this medication if you are unable to urinate.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

To make sure you can safely take hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);


• liver disease;


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  glaucoma;

  
  


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  gout;

  
  


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  lupus;

  
  


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  diabetes; or

  
  


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  an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril. Hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril.

How should I take Monopril HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood and urine may also be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril.

Hydrochlorothiazide can interfere with the results of a thyroid test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using a thiazide diuretic.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

See also: Monopril HCT dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, thirst, muscle pain or weakness, or feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while taking Monopril HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril)?

Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb fosinopril. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril.

Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet, and do not take potassium supplements while taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Monopril HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  eye pain, vision problems;

  
  


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  high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling);

  
  


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  low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling);

  
  


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  dry mouth, thirst, nausea, vomiting;

  
  


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  feeling weak, drowsy, restless, or light-headed;

  
  


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  jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

  
  


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  urinating less than usual or not at all;

  
  


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  swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath; or

  
  


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  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  cough;

  
  


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  dizziness, headache, tired feeling;

  
  


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  joint or muscle pain;

  
  


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  diarrhea, constipation; or

  
  


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  mild skin rash, increased sweating.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Monopril HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril)?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

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  other diuretics (water pills) or blood pressure medications;

  
  


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  gold injections to treat arthritis;

  
  


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  lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);

  
  


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  steroids (prednisone and others);

  
  


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  NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others; or

  
  


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  insulin or diabetes medicine taken by mouth.

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Monopril HCT resources

• Monopril HCT Side Effects (in more detail)
• Monopril HCT Dosage
• Monopril HCT Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Monopril HCT Drug Interactions
• Monopril HCT Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Monopril HCT - Add your own review/rating

• Monopril HCT MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Monopril HCT with other medications

• High Blood Pressure

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril.

See also: Monopril HCT side effects (in more detail)