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Compare Monopril vs. Altace

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fosinopril (generic, brand name Monopril no longer available) and Ramipril (generic, brand name Altace no longer available) are both ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Fosinopril is typically taken once daily, while Ramipril can be taken once or twice daily depending on the dose. Fosinopril is also used to protect the kidneys in people with diabetes, a benefit not mentioned for Ramipril. Both medications can cause a dry cough and dizziness, but Ramipril is noted to cause headaches and feelings of tiredness more commonly. Fosinopril starts working within 1 hour and takes 1-2 weeks to fully kick in, whereas Ramipril starts lowering blood pressure within 1-2 hours but may take a few weeks to find the best dose. Both medications are not safe during pregnancy and can cause serious side effects like angioedema and high potassium levels. However, Ramipril has additional warnings for liver problems and lower blood cell counts.

  • Fosinopril
    Ramipril
  • Fosinopril
    Ramipril

  • Summary of Monopril vs. Altace

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Fosinopril sodium (Monopril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It can also treat heart failure. Fosinopril comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once daily. Most people don't experience any side effects from fosinopril. But people who did reported cough and dizziness. Though rare, fosinopril and other ACEI inhibitors can cause angioedema, which can be serious. Brand name Monopril has been discontinued; fosinopril is only available as a generic medication.

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. This medication treats high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. It can also ease heart failure symptoms after a heart attack. Ramipril is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily, by adults. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include headache, dizziness, and feeling tired. Ramipril is generic only because the brand name Altace is no longer available.

  • Indications of Monopril vs. Altace

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in people ages 6 years and older
    •Heart failure (in combination with other medications)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Heart failure after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Monopril vs. Altace

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause a cough that might not go away until you stop the medication
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in Black adults
    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce or water for those with trouble swallowing
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •More likely to cause a dry cough, compared to ARBs
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant
    •Might not work as well for lowering blood pressure in Black people

  • Common Side Effects of Monopril vs. Altace

    Common Side Effects for

    For the treatment of high blood pressure

    •Cough (2%)
    •Dizziness (2%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (1%)

    For the treatment of heart failure

    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Cough (10%)
    •Low blood pressure (4%)
    •Muscle pain (3%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    •Chest pain (2%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (2%)
    Common Side Effects for

    High blood pressure

    •Headache (5%)
    •Dizziness (2%)
    •Feeling tired or weak (2%)

    Heart failure after heart attack

    •Low blood pressure (11%)
    •Cough (8%)
    •Dizziness (4%)

  • Warnings of Monopril vs. Altace

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling) and serious allergic reactions
    •Risk of infection (lower white blood cell count)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Risk of liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling)
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Liver problems
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •Lower blood cell counts
    •Low blood pressure
    •Heart problems due to high potassium
    •Cough

  • Prices with our coupons for Monopril vs. Altace

    Learn more about Fosinopril
    Learn more about Ramipril

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