Monopril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels and decreasing blood volume.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Monopril exactly as prescribed.

• Take with or without food.
• You may be easily dehydrated while taking Monopril. Take care to drink enough water and call your doctor if you have excessive sweating, ongoing vomiting or diarrhea.
• High blood pressure often comes with no symptoms. Continue use even if you feel well.

Don’t use Monopril if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you have diabetes, do not take Monopril together with medications that contain aliskiren (Tekturna, Tekamlo).

Before taking Monopril, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Kidney or liver disease
• Connective tissue diseases (Marfan syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma)
• Low-salt diet
• Any severe allergic reaction

Tell your doctor about any other medication you take, especially:

• Lithium
• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Gold injections

Common side effects of Monopril include:

• Runny nose, cough
• Dizziness or tiredness
• Headache
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Mild rash or skin itch

Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• Feeling light headed or passing out
• Sudden weakness, fever, chills, sore throat, painful mouth sores
• Producing little or no urine
• High potassium – weakness, nausea, slow heart rate, loss of movement

Are there any dietary restrictions to follow while on Monopril?

Alcohol can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, and may increase side effects like dizziness. You should also avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium and potassium supplements, which can cause a dangerous amount of potassium to build up in the body.