fosinopril / HCTZ

Fosinopril/hydrochlorothiazide shouldn't be used in pregnant women because it can cause severe harm and even death to an unborn baby. If you find out that you're pregnant while taking this medication, stop fosinopril/hydrochlorothiazide and let your provider know as soon as possible. If you're pregnant before starting fosinopril/hydrochlorothiazide or thinking of becoming pregnant during treatment, contact your provider immediately so you can switch to another medication.

Angioedema, or swelling in the face, lips, tongue, throat, or even your stomach, can happen at any time when taking medications containing ACE inhibitors like fosinopril/hydrochlorothiazide. This risk is higher in Black people than in non-Black people. Swelling of the tongue or throat area can be potentially life-threatening, since it can make it difficult to breathe. Get medical attention immediately if you experience swelling in any of the areas mentioned above, stomach pain, or difficulty breathing. You'll have to stop taking fosinopril/hydrochlorothiazide if this happens.

It's possible for fosinopril/hydrochlorothiazide to lower your blood pressure too much. Your risk is higher if you're dehydrated or have any conditions that cause you to become dehydrated, such as diarrhea, vomiting, heart failure, or if you're on dialysis. Make sure to stay well-hydrated. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, faint, tired, or confused while taking fosinopril/hydrochlorothiazide, contact your provider right away.

Fosinopril/hydrochlorothiazide can affect your kidneys and cause them to not work as well. This can happen to anyone, but the effects can be more severe in people with heart failure or people who already have other kidney problems. Your provider will order lab tests every so often to make sure your kidneys are healthy and working properly. If your kidney function worsens while taking fosinopril/hydrochlorothiazide, you'll have to stop taking it. Typically, your kidneys will go back to normal after you stop taking the medication. Let your provider know if you're urinating less often than usual, as this could be a sign that your kidneys aren't working as well.

Fosinopril/hydrochlorothiazide can affect the level of certain electrolytes in your body, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. You might need bloodwork done regularly while taking this medication to make sure your electrolyte levels are in the normal range. Let your provider know if you experience fast heart beat, weakness, low energy, muscle pain or cramps, less urination than usual, nausea, or vomiting. These can be signs of electrolyte changes in your body.