Fosinopril

It is de-esterified to fosinopril, a specific competitive inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Oral fosinopril lowels the blood pressure without affecting the heart rate. In patients with acute myocardial infarction, early treatment with fosinopril in conjuction with thrombolytics has significantly delayed the development of congestive heart failure and occurence of death.

Indications

Mild to moderate hypertension, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, nephropathy.

Dosage

In hypertension the usual dosage range is 20-40mg. In heart failure initial dose is 10mg o.d. which may be increased to 40mg. In moderate to severe renal failure 5mg is preferred. In myocardial infarction initial dose is 5mg which can be doubled upto 20mg and in nephropathy the dose is 10mg.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity, angiotensin converting enzyme.

Special Precautions

It's very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Side Effects

Usually well tolerated but side effects infrequently reported are chest pain, edema, hypertension crisis, rhythm, disturbances, palpitations, hypotension, rashes, angioedema, dizziness.

Drug Interactions

Diuretics, thiazides, potassium sparing diuretics, antacids.