Monopril HCT is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure. It contains an ACE inhibitor (fosinopril) that relaxes blood vessels and a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) that prevents the body from absorbing too much salt.

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

• Take with or without food.
• You may be easily dehydrated while taking Monopril HCT. 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 HCT if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

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

• Kidney or liver disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Gout
• Diabetes
• Lupus
• Allergies to sulfa drugs or penicillin

Common side effects of Monopril HCT include:

• Dizziness or tiredness
• Headache
• Cough

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

• Feeling light headed or passing out
• Pale skin, bruising, bleeding
• Fever, mouth sores, swollen gums, cold or flu symptoms, pain when swallowing
• Low sodium levels – confusion, headache, weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, slurred speech
• High potassium – slow heart rate, nausea, weakness, loss of movement
• Low potassium – constipation, muscle weakness, leg cramps, numbness, tingling, increased thirst and urination, fluttering in chest.

Are there any dietary restrictions to follow while on Monopril HCT?

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.