Fosinopril-Hydrochlorothiazide

Fosinopril-hydrochlorothiazide is a medication that is licensed to treat high blood pressure in adults. It works by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing blood volume in order to lower blood pressure. As a result, fosinopril-hydrochlorothiazide can reduce the risk of developing health problems that can occur as a result of long-term high blood pressure. Fosinopril-hydrochlorothiazide is prescribed in tablet form and is taken daily. As with any medication, this drug does have potential side effects, including headache, cough, and fatigue.

 

What Is Fosinopril-Hydrochlorothiazide?

Fosinopril sodium-hydrochlorothiazide (Monopril®-HCT) is a prescription medicine used for controlling high blood pressure in adults. It is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 
Fosinopril-hydrochlorothiazide has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click Fosinopril-Hydrochlorothiazide Uses for more information on what fosinopril-hydrochlorothiazide is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Fosinopril-Hydrochlorothiazide?

Fosinopril-hydrochlorothiazide is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
 

How Does Fosinopril-Hydrochlorothiazide Work?

Fosinopril-hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two medicines -- Monopril® (fosinopril sodium) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT for short). Monopril is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short. Monopril helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, Monopril causes blood vessels to relax.
 
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.
 
Because of the effects of both Monopril and hydrochlorothiazide, fosinopril-hydrochlorothiazide can lower blood pressure. Because of its combined effects, fosinopril-hydrochlorothiazide causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;