ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITOR (ACE INHIBITOR) - ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Monopril, Prinivil, Vasotec, Zestril

WARNING:
This drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician.

USES:
This medication prevents certain enzymes in the body from narrowing blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure and makes the heart beat stronger. This medication is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure or to help diabetics prevent kidney problems.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
This medication may be taken without regard to meals. Take it exactly as prescribed and try to take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, fatigue or dry cough may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Unlikely, but report promptly if you develop:
chest pain; tingling or swelling of the hands or feet; swelling of the face/ lips/tongue; yellowing of the skin or eyes; fever; dizziness; persistent sore throat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking this drug tell your doctor your medical history, especially history of:
angioedema, high blood levels of potassium, kidney disease or kidney dialysis, salt restrictive diet, liver disease, heart problems, any drug allergies. Consult your doctor before using salt substitutes or low salt milk. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Limit your intake of alcohol and use caution when exercising or during hot weather as these can aggravate dizziness and lightheadedness. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last six months of the pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this medication is used in the elderly. Caution is advised when this medication is used in children.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially if you take:
lithium, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing water pills or other water pills (diuretics), high blood pressure drugs, NSAIDs (aspirin-like drugs). Avoid “stimulant” drugs that may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, unconsciousness, decreased in the amount of urine, or muscle weakness.

NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor. Lab tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.