Fosinopril Uses

The most common fosinopril uses include lowering high blood pressure and relieving the symptoms of congestive heart failure. However, fosinopril is not a cure for these heart conditions. Fosinopril has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and decrease the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure. Fosinopril is approved for use in adults and children who are six years of age or older.

What Is Fosinopril Used For?

 Fosinopril sodium (Monopril®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These fosinopril uses include:
 
High Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90, with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
Based on clinical studies, fosinopril has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The higher the dose of fosinopril, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be. By lowering blood pressure, fosinopril can decrease the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). However, fosinopril does not cure high blood pressure.
 
Congestive Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body. It does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way that it should.
 
For people with congestive heart failure, fosinopril decreases blood pressure, which makes the heart more efficient and allows more blood to be pumped from the heart. These effects of fosinopril cause a decrease in the symptoms of congestive heart failure, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling, while also improving tolerance for exercise and decreasing the number of hospitalizations.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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