hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril?

If you have diabetes, do not use hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).

What is hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Fosinopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Fosinopril lowers blood pressure and also relieves symptoms of fluid retention.

Hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril is a combination medicine used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril?

• you are unable to urinate;
• you are allergic to sulfa drugs; or
• you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril, and others.

If you have diabetes, do not use hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).

You may also need to avoid taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

To make sure hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• cirrhosis or other liver disease;
• congestive heart failure;
• gout;
• lupus;
• diabetes; or
• an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood and urine may also be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated. Visit your doctor regularly.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril?

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril, unless your doctor has told you to.

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril?

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, cold or flu symptoms;
• high potassium --nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness, loss of movement;
• low potassium --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;
• low levels of sodium --headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady; or
• severe skin reaction --fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• cough; or
• tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril?

Other drugs may interact with hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydrochlorothiazide and fosinopril.