Description
Fosinopril sodium is an ACE inhibitor. It blocks an enzyme the body uses to make a hormone that narrows blood vessels, so the vessels relax and blood pressure falls, and the heart has less work to do. It is licensed for high blood pressure and for heart failure. The tablet is taken once daily, with or without food, at about the same time each day.
Fosinopril is cleared by both the liver and the kidneys, which can matter if either is not working well. A dry, tickly cough is the best known side effect of this class and does not settle while the medicine is continued. Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat is rare but needs urgent medical attention. Your prescriber will check your kidney function and blood salts with a blood test, and will ask about potassium supplements and salt substitutes. This medicine must not be taken in pregnancy.
- ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure and heart failure
- Available in 10mg and 20mg tablets, taken once daily
- Cleared by both the liver and the kidneys
- A persistent dry cough is a recognised effect of this class
- Blood tests check kidney function and blood salts
- Not for use in pregnancy; tell your prescriber if you may be pregnant
