What is fosinopril?
Fosinopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Fosinopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or heart failure.
Fosinopril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about fosinopril?
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Fosinopril could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take fosinopril.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of fosinopril.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking fosinopril, unless your doctor has told you to.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking fosinopril. Drink plenty of water daily while you are taking this medication.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fosinopril?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to fosinopril or 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).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use fosinopril:
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
liver disease;
heart disease or congestive heart failure;
diabetes;
a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis; or
if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Fosinopril could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
Fosinopril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old.