MONOPRIL

Drug Name: MONOPRIL

MONOPRIL DESCRIPTION:
ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITOR (ACE INHIBITOR) - ORAL

COMMON MONOPRIL BRAND NAME(S):
Monopril, Prinivil, Vasotec, Zestril

MONOPRIL SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, fatigue or dry cough may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Unlikely, but report promptly if you develop: chest pain; tingling or swelling of the hands or feet; swelling of the face/ lips/tongue; yellowing of the skin or eyes; fever; dizziness; persistent sore throat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MONOPRIL:
MONOPRIL: MONOPRIL may be taken without regard to meals. Take it exactly as prescribed and try to take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking MONOPRIL without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

MONOPRIL WARNING:
MONOPRIL can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using MONOPRIL and immediately contact your physician.

MONOPRIL USES:
MONOPRIL prevents certain enzymes in the body from narrowing blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure and makes the heart beat stronger. MONOPRIL is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure or to help diabetics prevent kidney problems.

MONOPRIL PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking MONOPRIL tell your doctor your medical history, especially history of: angioedema, high blood levels of potassium, kidney disease or kidney dialysis, salt restrictive diet, liver disease, heart problems, any drug allergies. Consult your doctor before using salt substitutes or low salt milk. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Limit your intake of alcohol and use caution when exercising or during hot weather as these can aggravate dizziness and lightheadedness. MONOPRIL should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last six months of the pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. MONOPRIL is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when MONOPRIL is used in the elderly. Caution is advised when MONOPRIL is used in children.

MONOPRIL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially if you take: lithium, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing water pills or other water pills (diuretics), high blood pressure drugs, NSAIDs (aspirin-like drugs). Avoid "stimulant" drugs that may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MONOPRIL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, unconsciousness, decreased in the amount of urine, or muscle weakness.

MONOPRIL NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking MONOPRIL. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor. Lab tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED MONOPRIL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

MONOPRIL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.