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Fosinopril |
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What is Fosinopril and why is it prescribed? Fosinopril is a high blood pressure medication known as an ACE inhibitor. It is effective when used alone or in combination with other medications for the treatment of high blood pressure. Fosinopril is also prescribed for heart failure. Fosinopril works by preventing the conversion of a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I into a more potent substance that increases salt and water retention in your body. Fosinopril also enhances blood flow in your circulatory system. You must take Fosinopril regularly for it to be effective. Fosinopril does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Fosinopril? Follow your doctors directions for taking Fosinopril. Fosinopril is best taken 1 hour before meals; but it can be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Suddenly stopping Fosinopril could cause your blood pressure to increase. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Fosinopril at room temperature in a tightly closed container to protect the medication from moisture. Are there any Fosinopril side effects? Fosinopril side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. When taken for high blood pressure more common Fosinopril side effects may include cough, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. When taken for high blood pressure less common or rare Fosinopril side effects may include abdominal pain, changes in appetite and weight, changes in sexual performance, chest pain, confusion, constipation, decreased sex drive, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, distended abdomen, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive sweating, eye irritation, fainting, fatigue, gas, gout, headache, heartburn, heart rhythm disturbances, hives, itching, kidney failure, liver inflammation, memory disturbances, mood changes, muscle and bone pain, muscle cramps, rash, ringing in ears, severe joint pain, skin sensitivity to sunlight, sleep disturbances, tremors, urinary frequency, vertigo, vision disturbances, weakness, and yellow eyes and skin. When taken for heart failure more common Fosinopril side effects may include chest pain, cough, dizziness, low blood pressure, and muscle and bone pain. When taken for heart failure less common or rare side effects may include abnormal breathing, arm or leg weakness, behavior change, bronchitis, chest pain, constipation, decreased appetite, depression, diarrhea, distended abdomen, dry mouth, excessive sweating, fainting, fever, flu, fluid retention/swelling, gas, gout, heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure, itching, kidney pain, light-headedness on standing up, muscle ache, nasal inflammation, nausea, numbness, pain, pins and needles, rapid or slow heartbeat, sensation of cold, sexual problems, shock, sinus problems, speaking abnormality, stoppage of breathing/heart, stroke, swelling in legs or arms, taste disturbance, tremor, upper respiratory infection, urinary problems, vertigo, vision problems, vomiting, weakness, and weight gain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Fosinopril? If Fosinopril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Fosinopril with Antacids (such as Mylanta and Maalox), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Potassium preparations (such as K+10 and K-Lyte), Potassium-sparing diuretics (such as Moduretic and Aldactone), or Thiazide diuretics (such as Diucardin and Diuril). Are there any special warnings about Fosinopril? If you develop a sore throat or fever, you should contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness. If you develop swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, or arms and legs, or have difficulty swallowing, you should stop taking Fosinopril and contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment. Make sure your doctor knows about any kidney or liver problems you may have. If you notice your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow, stop taking Fosinopril and contact your doctor immediately. Your kidney function should be monitored while you are taking Fosinopril for either high blood pressure or heart failure. If you have heart failure and your kidneys are not functioning properly, you may develop low blood pressure. Also, certain blood tests may be needed if you have a disease of the connective tissue. If you are taking high doses of a diuretic along with Fosinopril, you may develop excessively low blood pressure. You may experience light-headedness while taking Fosinopril, especially during the first few days of therapy. If this occurs, notify your doctor. If you actually faint, discontinue the use of this medication and notify your doctor immediately. Do not use potassium-containing salt substitutes or potassium supplements without consulting your doctor. If you have heart failure, Fosinopril should be started under close medical supervision. Your doctor should continue to monitor your progress for the first 2 weeks of treatment and whenever your dosage is increased. Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could lead to excessive loss of water and cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously. Take precautions to avoid excessive water loss while exercising. Fosinopril should be used with caution if you are on dialysis. There have been reports of extreme allergic reactions during dialysis in people taking ACE inhibitors such as Fosinopril. There have also been reports of severe allergic reactions in people given bee or wasp venom to protect against stings. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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