What is Fosinopril: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Fosinopril overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Monopril

Generic Names:

  • Fosinopril Sodium

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. This medicine is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent, Renal Protective Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Fosinopril used for?

What form(s) does Fosinopril come in

  • Tablet

What are common Fosinopril doses?

  • Tablet 10MG

  • Tablet 20MG

  • Tablet 40MG

Common Fosinopril prescriptions

  • Fosinopril Sodium
    10mg tablet

  • Fosinopril Sodium
    20mg tablet

  • Fosinopril Sodium
    40mg tablet

How to take Fosinopril

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • When you take this medicine for the first time, your doctor may want you to take it in a clinic so you can be observed for any unwanted side effects.

  • Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • When you take this medicine for the first time, your doctor may want you to take it in a clinic so you can be observed for any unwanted side effects.

What to do if you miss a dose of Fosinopril

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine away from children.

Fosinopril contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fosinopril or other blood pressure medicine (such as Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Prinivil®, Vasotec®, Zestril®). You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant.

Fosinopril warnings

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or lupus.

  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

  • Fever, muscle or joint pain, and skin rash

  • Lightheadedness or fainting

  • Problems urinating, pain in side or lower back

  • Sudden stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite

  • Swelling in your hands or feet

  • Yellow skin or eyes

Fosinopril interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using allopurinol (Aloprim®, Zyloprim®), azathioprine (Imuran®), lithium, potassium supplements, salt substitutes, diuretics (water pills) such as amiloride (Midamor®, Moduretic®), chlorthalidone (Combipres®, Tenoretic®), furosemide (Lasix®), spironolactone (Aldactazide®, Aldactone®), or triamterene (Dyazide®, Dyrenium®, Maxzide®).

  • If you are also using antacids, take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take fosinopril.

  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Fosinopril side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fever, muscle or joint pain, and skin rash

  • Sudden stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite

  • Confusion, weakness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips

  • Swelling in your hands or feet

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting

  • Lightheadedness or fainting

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)

  • Yellow skin or eyes

  • Fast or pounding heartbeat

  • Problems urinating, pain in side or lower back

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Change in sense of taste, mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

  • Cough