Monopril-HCT

Monopril-HCT is a prescription medication that is used to lower high blood pressure in adults. Because Monopril-HCT is a combination of two medications -- Monopril and hydrochlorothiazide -- it has been shown to cause a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone. The medication comes in the form of a tablet that is taken once a day. As with any drug, Monopril-HCT can cause side effects, such as a headache, cough, or fatigue.

Monopril-HCT Medicine

What Is Monopril-HCT?

Monopril^®-HCT (fosinopril sodium-hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medicine used for controlling high blood pressure in adults. Monopril-HCT is not a cure for high blood pressure.

Monopril-HCT has not been approved for use in children.

(Click What Is Monopril-HCT Used For? for more information on what Monopril-HCT is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Monopril-HCT?

Monopril-HCT is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

How Does Monopril-HCT Work?

Monopril-HCT is a combination of two medicines -- Monopril^® (

fosinopril sodium) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT for short). Monopril is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short. Monopril helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, Monopril causes blood vessels to relax.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.

Because of the effects of both Monopril and hydrochlorothiazide, Monopril-HCT can lower blood pressure. Because of its combined effects, Monopril-HCT causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.

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