Monopril

A healthcare provider may prescribe Monopril to treat high blood pressure and to relieve symptoms of congestive heart failure. The drug works by relaxing the blood vessels to allow more blood to flow through them. Because the blood vessels are relaxed, the heart does not have to work as hard, and more blood can be pumped from the heart to the rest of the body. Monopril comes in the form of a tablet that is taken once a day. Common side effects of this medication include cough, dizziness, and vomiting.

Monopril Medication

What Is Monopril?

Monopril^® (fosinopril sodium) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.

Who Makes Monopril?

Monopril is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

What Is It Used For?

Monopril has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These uses include:

Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
Relieving symptoms of congestive heart failure.

Monopril does not cure high blood pressure or congestive heart failure.

Monopril has been approved for use in children six years of age and older.

(Click What Is Monopril Used For? for more information on the drug's uses, including possible off-label uses.)

How Does It Work?

Monopril is part of a class of medicines called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. 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, which can lower blood pressure.

By helping blood vessels relax, Monopril also increases the efficiency of the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard and more blood can be pumped out to the rest of the body. Both of these effects are helpful for a person with congestive heart failure.

(Monopril Continued: Page 2)