Fosinopril is a high blood pressure medication known as an ACE inhibitor.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is the enzyme in blood which
controls the formation of angiotensin II, a chemical in blood that
causes constriction of arteries and veins. Constriction of arteries and
veins elevates blood pressure. Fosinopril is in a class of drugs called
ACE inhibitors which inhibit ACE and block the formation of angiotensin
II. By blocking the formation of angiotensin II, fosinopril relaxes the
arteries and veins and lowers blood pressure. By reducing blood
pressure, fosinopril also reduces the work that the heart must do to
pump blood through the arteries and veins. This improves the output of
blood from the heart. It is effective when used alone or
in combination with other medications for the treatment of hypertension.
Fosinopril is also prescribed for heart failure.
This medication works by preventing the conversion of a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I into a more potent substance that
increases salt and water retention in your body. Fosinopril also enhances blood flow in your circulatory system.
SIDE EFFECTS: Fosinopril is generally well tolerated. The most
common side effects are headache, cough, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue,
nausea, vomiting, complaints of sexual dysfunction, and abnormal liver
tests. Impairment of kidney function has been reported with ACE
inhibitors, especially in patients with severe heart failure or kidney
disease. In rare instances, low white blood cell counts have been
reported with the use of captopril, another ACE inhibitor. (Low white
blood cells increase a patient's risk of infections.). |
