Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Monopril (Fosinopril). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Monopril (Fosinopril) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• cough (dry, persistent)
• Diarrhea
• difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
• dizziness when rising from a standing or sitting position
• headache
• muscle cramps
• nausea
• rash
• unusual tiredness
• vomiting

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• chest pain
• fast, pounding heart beat
• signs of fluid and electrolyte imbalance (e.g., drowsiness, muscle pain or cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat)
• signs of reduced liver function (e.g., abdominal pain, itching of skin, yellow eyes or skin, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting)
• signs of Low Blood Pressure (e.g., dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting)
• signs of too much potassium in the body (e.g., confusion, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, weakness or heaviness of legs, numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• chest pain
• signs of angioedema (e.g., swelling of face, mouth, hands, or feet)
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• trouble swallowing or breathing (sudden)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Monopril (Fosinopril).

Do not take Monopril (Fosinopril) if you:

• are allergic to Monopril (Fosinopril) or any ingredients of the medication
• have Diabetes or Kidney Disease and are taking the medication Aliskiren
• have a history of angioedema (a serious allergic reaction that causes the area around the throat and tongue to swell) after taking any ACE inhibitors (e.g., Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril, Ramipril)

There may be an interaction between Monopril (Fosinopril) and any of the following:

• alcohol
• Aldesleukin
• aliskiren
• Allopurinol
• alpha blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
• alpha agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
• amifostine
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine)
• other angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; captopril, enalapril, ramipril)
• angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., candasartan, Irbesartan, Losartan)
• antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide)
• Aripiprazole
• Azathioprine
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• brimonidine
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• ciprofloxacin
• Cyclosporine
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glipizide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Nateglinide, Rosiglitazone)
• Dipyridamole
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Amiloride, Spironolactone, triamterene)
• drosperinone
• Duloxetine
• Eplerenone
• Everolimus
• grass pollen allergen extract
• Guanfacine
• Heparin
• iron dextran
• iron gluconate
• levodopa
• lithium
• low-molecular-weight heparins (e.g., Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Tinzaparin)
• medications that increase potassium levels (e.g., potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium)
• Methylphenidate
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• nitrates (e.g., isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Naproxen)
• Obinutuzumab
• Pentoxifylline
• phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
• Pregabalin
• Risperidone
• Rituximab
• Sirolimus
• sodium phosphates
• Temsirolimus
• Tizanidine
• Tolvaptan
• Trimethoprim
• Yohimbine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Monopril (Fosinopril). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Monopril (Fosinopril).

Angioedema: Angioedema, a serious allergic reaction that causes the area around the throat and tongue to swell, that may occur with use of Monopril (Fosinopril). If you experience swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, stop taking Monopril (Fosinopril) at once and get immediate medical attention. Other medications in the class of medications known as ACE inhibitors should not be taken in the future. People who have had angioedema caused by other substances may be at increased risk of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor.

Blood counts: Monopril (Fosinopril) can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., Fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.

Cough: People taking Monopril (Fosinopril) may develop a dry, persistent cough that usually disappears only after stopping or lowering the Monopril (Fosinopril) dose. Be sure to tell your doctor of any cough that does not seem to be related to a usual cause.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: In rare cases, people who take Monopril (Fosinopril) experience an increase in blood levels of potassium. This rarely causes problems, but potassium levels should be monitored by your doctor.

Kidney function: Changes in kidney function have been seen for certain people who take Monopril (Fosinopril) (e.g., people with narrowed blood vessels in their kidneys, or those with severe congestive heart failure). The use of diuretics (water pills), aliskiren or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may further increase risk of kidney problems for people already at risk for this problem. If you have kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Monopril (Fosinopril) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Monopril (Fosinopril), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: This medication may worsen liver function. If you have liver disease or poor liver function, discuss with your doctor how Monopril (Fosinopril) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Monopril (Fosinopril), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you notice any signs of liver problems (e.g., abdominal pain, itching of skin, yellow eyes or skin, loss of appetite, vomiting), contact your doctor immediately.

Surgery: Anaesthetics and pain relievers used during can cause decreased blood pressure. Monopril (Fosinopril) may make the decrease in blood pressure worse. Make sure that your health care team knows you are taking Monopril (Fosinopril).

Low blood pressure: Occasionally, blood pressure drops too low after taking Monopril (Fosinopril). This usually happens after the first or second dose or when the dose is increased. It is more likely to occur for those who take aliskiren or water pills, have a salt restricted diet, are on dialysis, are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting, or have been sweating excessively and not drinking enough liquids. If low blood pressure causes you to faint or feel lightheaded, contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: ACE inhibitors such as Monopril (Fosinopril) may cause severe harm or death to the developing baby if taken by the mother during pregnancy. Monopril (Fosinopril) should not be used during pregnancy. If you discover you are pregnant, stop taking Monopril (Fosinopril) at once and contact your doctor.

Breast-feeding: Monopril (Fosinopril) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Monopril (Fosinopril), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Monopril (Fosinopril) for children have not been established. Its use by this age group is not recommended.