Fosinopril

About Fosinopril

This belongs to the group of medicines known as ACE inhibitors.

Fosinopril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and is also sometimes used to treat people who have suffered from a heart attack.

Fosinopril works by causing blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. For this reason it is also sometimes used, alongside other medicines to treat heart failure.

Fosinopril is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Staril. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Fosinopril

Before taking Fosinopril make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast feeding
• if you or anyone in your family has ever experienced angioedema (swelling of the tongue, lips, face and eyelids)
• if you suffer from kidney or liver disease
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription

How to Take Fosinopril

• Take Fosinopril exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably need to have your blood pressure checked to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Try to take this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium without speaking to your doctor first.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Fosinopril contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Occasionally, dizziness, lightheadedness or blurred vision may occur after the first dose of this medicine. Make sure that you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machinery or do other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• If you develop severe sickness or diarrhoea then consult your doctor before taking further tablets.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking Fosinopril.
• Chest pain resulting from exercise or physical exertion may be prevented by Fosinopril, this may tempt you to do too much. Discuss this with your doctor if you intend to do a lot of exercise.
• Fosinopril may occasionally cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun. Whilst you are taking this medicine, avoid strong sunlight and sun beds and use a sun cream higher than factor 15.
• Try to avoid alcohol, as it will also affect your blood pressure. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.

Can Fosinopril cause problems?

Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually go away as your body adjusts to the new medicine. If any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome speak with your pharmacist or doctor.

Chest pain, muscle pain, dry cough, a stuffy nose, sore throat, feeling sick, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, changes in taste, pins and needles, fever or joint pain.

Important: Fosinopril can cause sudden swelling of the tongue, lips, face and eyelids. If this happens contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Fosinopril

• Keep out of the reach of children
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light
• Do not keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take then to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 27/06/2005