Fosinopril Sodium is a medication in the ACE inhibitor class, primarily used to treat high blood pressure and manage heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels and helping the body remove excess water, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the strain on the heart..
Typical Cost
$10–$30/month
Status
Rx
Generic
Brand Only
Lisinopril is the lowest-cost ACE Inhibitors at $4–$15/month/month
Uses & Indications
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Fosinopril sodium tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. They may be used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics. Fosinopril sodium tablets are indicated in the management of heart failure as adjunctive therapy when added to conventional therapy including diuretics with or without digitalis (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ) . In using fosinopril sodium tablets, consideration should be given to the fact that another angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, has caused agranulocytosis, particularly in patients with renal impairment or collagen-vascular disease. Available data are insufficient to show that fosinopril sodium tablets do not have a similar risk (see WARNINGS ). In considering use of fosinopril sodium tablets, it should be noted that in controlled trials ACE inhibitors have an effect on blood pressure that is less in black patients than in non-blacks. In addition, ACE inhibitors (for which adequate data are available) cause a higher rate of angioedema in black than in non-black patients (see WARNINGS, Anaphylactoid and Possible Related Reactions, Head and Neck Angioedema and Intestinal Angioedema) .
Dosage & Administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Hypertension Adults The recommended initial dose of fosinopril sodium tablets is 10 mg once a day, both as monotherapy and when the drug is added to a diuretic. Dosage should then be adjusted according to blood pressure response at peak (2 to 6 hours) and trough (about 24 hours after dosing) blood levels. The usual dosage range needed to maintain a response at trough is 20 mg to 40 mg but some patients appear to have a further response to 80 mg. In some patients treated with once daily dosing, the antihypertensive effect may diminish toward the end of the dosing interval. If trough response is inadequate, dividing the daily dose should be considered. If blood pressure is not adequately controlled with fosinopril sodium tablets alone, a diuretic may be added. Concomitant administration of fosinopril sodium tablets with potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes, or potassium-sparing diuretics can lead to increases of serum potassium (see PRECAUTIONS ). In patients who are currently being treated with a diuretic, symptomatic hypotension occasionally can occur following the initial dose of fosinopril sodium tablets. To reduce the likelihood of hypotension, the diuretic should, if possible, be discontinued two to three days prior to beginning therapy with fosinopril sodium tablets (see WARNINGS ). Then, if blood pressure is not controlled with fosinopril sodium tablets alone, diuretic therapy should be resumed. If diuretic therapy cannot be discontinued, an initial dose of 10 mg of fosinopril sodium tablets should be used with careful medical supervision for several hours and until blood pressure has stabilized (see WARNINGS , PRECAUTIONS , Information for Patients and Drug Interactions ). Since concomitant administration of fosinopril sodium tablets with potassium supplements, or potassium containing salt substitutes or potassium-sparing diuretics may lead to increases in serum potassium, they should be used with caution (see PRECAUTIONS ). Pediatric Patients In children, doses of fosinopril sodium tablets between 0.1 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg have been studied and shown to reduce blood pressure to a similar extent (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects ). Based on this, the recommended dose of fosinopril sodium tablets in children weighing more than 50 kg is 5 mg to 10 mg once per day as monotherapy. An appropriate dosage strength is not available for children weighing less than 50 kg. Heart Failure Digitalis is not required for fosinopril sodium tablets to manifest improvements in exercise tolerance and symptoms. Most placebo-controlled clinical trial experience has been with both digitalis and diuretics present as background therapy. The usual starting dose of fosinopril sodium tablets should be 10 mg once daily. Following the initial dose of fosinopril sodium tablets, the patient should be observed under medical supervision for at least two hours for the presence of hypotension or orthostasis, and if present, until blood pressure stabilizes. An initial dose of 5 mg is preferred in heart failure patients with moderate to severe renal failure or those who have been vigorously diuresed. Dosage should be increased, over a several week period, to a dose that is maximal and tolerated but not exceeding 40 mg once daily. The usual effective dosage range is 20 mg to 40 mg once daily. The appearance of hypotension, orthostasis, or azotemia easy in dose titration should not preclude further careful dose titration. Consideration should be given to reducing the dose of concomitant diuretic. For Hypertensive or Heart Failure Patients With Rena/Impairment : In patients with impaired renal function, the total body clearance of fosinoprilat is approximately 50% slower than in patients with normal renal function. Since hepatobiliary elimination partially compensates for diminished renal elimination, the total body clearance of fosinoprilat does not differ appreciably with any degree of renal insufficiency (creatinine clearances <80 mL/min/1.73m 2 ), including end-stage renal failure (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min/1.73m 2 ). This relative constancy of body clearance of active fosinoprilat, resulting from the dual route of elimination, permits use of the usual dose in patients with any degree of renal impairment. (See WARNINGS, Anaphylactoid Reactions During Membrane Exposure and PRECAUTIONS , Hemodialysis ).
Side Effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS Fosinopril sodium has been evaluated for safety in more than 2,100 individuals in hypertension and heart failure trials, including approximately 530 patients treated for a year or more. Generally, adverse events were mild and transient, and their frequency was not prominently related to dose within the recommended daily dosage range. Hypertension In placebo-controlled clinical trials (688 fosinopril sodium-treated patients), the usual duration of therapy was two to three months. Discontinuations due to any clinical or laboratory adverse event were 4.1% and 1.1% in fosinopril sodium-treated and placebo-treated patients, respectively. The most frequent reasons (0.4% to 0.9%) were headache, elevated transaminases, fatigue, cough (see PRECAUTIONS, General, Cough ), diarrhea, and nausea and vomiting. During clinical trials with any fosinopril sodium regimen, the incidence of adverse events in the elderly (≥65 years old) was similar to that seen in younger patients. Clinical adverse events probably or possibly related or of uncertain relationship to therapy, occurring in at least 1% of patients treated with fosinopril sodium alone and at least as frequent on fosinopril sodium as on placebo in placebo-controlled clinical trials are shown in the table below. Clinical Adverse events In Placebo-Controlled Trials (Hypertension) Fosinopril Sodium (N=688) Incidence (Discontinuation) Placebo (N=184) Incidence (Discontinuation) Cough 2.2 0.0 Dizziness 1.6 0.0 Nausea/Vomiting 1.2 0.5 The following events were also seen at >1% on fosinopril sodium tablets but occurred in the placebo group at a greater rate: headache, diarrhea, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. Other clinical events probably or possibly related, or of uncertain relationship to therapy occurring in 0.2% to 1.0% of patients (except as noted) treated with fosinopril sodium in controlled or uncontrolled clinical trials (N; 1 ,479) and less frequent, clinically significant events include (listed by body system): General : Chest pain, edema, weakness, excessive sweating. Cardiovascular : Angina/myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, hypertensive crisis, rhythm disturbances, palpitations, hypotension, syncope, flushing, claudication. Orthostatic : hypotension occurred in 1.4% of patients treated with fosinopril monotherapy. Hypotension or orthostatic hypotension was a cause for discontinuation of therapy in 0.1% of patients. Dermatologic : Urticaria, rash, photosensitivity, pruritus. Endocrine/Metabolic: Gout, decreased libido. Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis, hepatitis, dysphagia, abdominal distention, abdominal pain, flatulence, constipation, heartburn, appetite/weight change, dry mouth. Hematologic: Lymphadenopathy. Immunologic: Angioedema. (See WARNINGS, Anaphylactoid and Possible Related Reactions, Head and Neck Angioedema and Intestinal Angioedema) . Musculoskeletal : Arthralgia, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia/muscle cramp. Nervous/Psychiatric: Memory disturbance, tremor, confusion, mood change, paresthesia, sleep disturbance, drowsiness, vertigo. Respiratory: Bronchospasm, pharyngitis, sinusitis/rhinitis, laryngitis/hoarseness, epistaxis. A symptom-complex of cough, bronchospasm, and eosinophilia has been observed in two patients treated with fosinopril. Special Senses: Tinnitus, vision disturbance, taste disturbance, eye irritation. Urogenita l: Renal insufficiency, urinary frequency. Heart Failure In placebo-controlled clinical trials (361 fosinopril sodium-treated patients), the usual duration of therapy was 3 to 6 months. Discontinuations due to any clinical or laboratory adverse event, except for heart failure, were 8.0% and 7.5% in fosinopril sodium-treated and placebo-treated patients, respectively. The most frequent reason for discontinuation of fosinopril sodium was angina pectoris (1.1 %). Significant hypotension after the first dose of fosinopril sodium occurred in 14/590 (2.4%) of patients; 5/590 (0.8%) patients discontinued due to first dose hypotension. Clinical adverse events probably or possibly related or of uncertain relationship to therapy, occurring in at least 1% of patients treated with fosinopril sodium and at least as common as the placebo group, in placebo controlled trials are shown in the table below. Clinical Adverse events In Placebo-Controlled Trials (Heart Failure) Fosinopril Sodium (N=361) Incidence (Discontinuation) Placebo (N=373) Incidence (Discontinuation) Dizziness 11.9 5.4 Cough 9.7 5.1 Hypertension 4.4 0.8 Musculoskeletal Pain 3.3 2.7 Nausea/Vomiting 2.2 1.6 Diarrhea 2.2 1.3 Chest Pain (non-cardiac) 2.2 1.6 Upper Respiratory Infection 2.2 1.3 Orthostatic Hypotension 1.9 0.8 Subjective Cardiac Rhythym Disturbance 1.4 0.8 Weakness 1.4 0.5 The following events also occurred at a rate of 1% or more on fosinopril sodium but occurred on placebo more often: fatigue, dyspnea, headache, rash, abdominal pain, muscle cramp, angina pectoris, edema, and insomnia. The incidence of adverse events in the elderly (≥ 65 years old) was similar to that seen in younger patients. Other clinical events probably or possibly related, or of uncertain relationship to therapy occurring in 0.4% to 1.0% of patients (except as noted) treated with fosinopril sodium in controlled clinical trials (N; 516) and less frequent, clinically significant events include (listed by body system): General : Fever, influenza, weight gain, hyperhidrosis, sensation of cold, fall, pain. Cardiovascular : Sudden death, cardiorespiratory arrest, shock (0.2%), atrial rhythm disturbance, cardiac rhythm disturbances, non anginal chest pain, edema lower extremity, hypertension, syncope, conduction disorder, bradycardia, tachycardia. Dermatologic: pruritus. Endocrine/Metabolic: Gout, sexual dysfunction. Gastrointestinal: Hepatomegaly, abdominal distention, decreased appetite, dry mouth, constipation, flatulence. Immunologic: Angioedema (0.2%). Musculoskeletal: Muscle ache, swelling of an extremity, weakness of an extremity. Nervous/Psychiatric: Cerebral infarction, TIA, depression, numbness, paresthesia, vertigo, behavior change, tremor. Respiratory: Abnormal vocalization, rhinitis, sinus abnormality, tracheobronchitis, abnormal breathing, pleuritic chest pain. Special Senses: Vision disturbance, taste disturbance. Urogenital: Abnormal urination, kidney pain. Potential Adverse Effects Reported with ACE Inhibitors Body as a whole: Anaphylactoid reactions (see WARNINGS, Anaphylactoid and Possible Related Reactions and PRECAUTIONS, Hemodialysis ). Other medically important adverse effects reported with ACE inhibitors include: Cardiac arrest; eosinophilic pneumonitis; neutropenia/agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, anemia (including hemolytic and aplastic), thrombocytopenia; acute renal failure; hepatic failure, jaundice (hepatocellular or cholestatic); symptomatic hyponatremia; bullous pemphigus, exfoliative dermatitis; a syndrome which may include: arthralgia/arthritis, vasculitis, serositis, myalgia, fever, rash or other dermatologic manifestations, a positive ANA, leukocytosis, eosinophilia, or an elevated ESR. Laboratory Test Abnormalities Serum Electrolytes: Hyperkalemia, (see PRECAUTIONS ); hyponatremia, (see PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions, Diuretics ). BUN/Serum Creatinine: Elevations, usually transient and minor, of BUN or serum creatinine have been observed. ln placebo-controlled clinical trials, there were no significant differences in the number of patients experiencing increases in serum creatinine (outside the normal range or 1.33 times the pre-treatment value) between the fosinopril and placebo treatment groups. Rapid reduction of longstanding or markedly elevated blood pressure by any antihypertensive therapy can result in decreases in the glomerular filtration rate, and in turn, lead to increases in BUN or serum creatinine (see PRECAUTIONS, General ). Hematology : In controlled trials, a mean hemoglobin decrease of 0.1 g/dL was observed in fosinopril-treated patients. In individual patients decreases in hemoglobin or hematocrit were usually transient, small, and not associated with symptoms. No patient was discontinued from therapy due to the development of anemia. Other : Neutropenia (see WARNINGS ), leukopenia and eosinophilia. Liver Function Tests: Elevations of transaminases, LDH, alkaline phosphatase, and serum bilirubin have been reported. Fosinopril therapy was discontinued because of serum transaminase elevations in 0.7% of patients. In the majority of cases, the abnormalities were either present at baseline or were associated with other etiologic factors. In those cases which were possibly related to fosinopril therapy, the elevations were generally mild and transient and resolved after discontinuation of therapy. Pediatric Patients The adverse experience profile for pediatric patients is similar to that seen in adult patients with hypertension. The long-term effects of fosinopril sodium on growth and development have not been studied.
Warnings & Precautions
WARNINGS Anaphylactoid and Possible Related Reactions Presumably because angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors affect the metabolism of eicosanoids and polypeptides, including endogenous bradykinin, patients receiving ACE inhibitors (including fosinopril sodium) may be subject to a variety of adverse reactions, some of them serious. Head and Neck Angioedema: Angioedema involving the extremities, face, lips, mucous membranes, tongue, glottis, or larynx has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. If angioedema involves the tongue, glottis, or larynx, airway obstruction may occur and be fatal. If laryngeal stridor or angioedema of the face, lips, mucous membranes, tongue, glottis, or extremities occurs, treatment with fosinopril sodium should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted immediately. Where there is involvement of the tongue, glottis, or larynx, likely to cause airway obstruction, appropriate therapy, e.g., subcutaneous epinephrine solution 1:1000 (0.3 mL to 0.5 mL) should be promptly administered ( see PRECAUTIONS , Information for Patients and ADVERSE REACTIONS) . Intestinal Angioedema : Intestinal angioedema has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. These patients presented with abdominal pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); in some cases there was no prior history of facial angioedema and C-1 esterase levels were normal. The angioedema was diagnosed by procedures including abdominal CT scan or ultrasound, or at surgery, and symptoms resolved after stopping the ACE inhibitor. Intestinal angioedema should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients on ACE inhibitors presenting with abdominal pain. Anaphylactoid Reactions During Desensitization : Two patients undergoing desensitizing treatment with hymenoptera venom while receiving ACE inhibitors sustained life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions. In the same patients, these reactions were avoided when ACE inhibitors were temporarily withheld, but they reappeared upon inadvertent rechallenge. Anaphylactoid Reactions During Membrane Exposure: Anaphylactoid reactions have been reported in patients dialyzed with high-flux membranes and treated concomitantly with an ACE inhibitor. Anaphylactoid reactions have also been reported in patients undergoing low-density lipoprotein apheresis with dextran sulfate absorption. Hypotension Fosinopril sodium can cause symptomatic hypotension. Like other ACE inhibitors, fosinopril has been only rarely associated with hypotension in uncomplicated hypertensive patients. Symptomatic hypotension is most likely to occur in patients who have been volume- and/or salt-depleted as a result of prolonged diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, dialysis, diarrhea, or vomiting. Volume and/or salt depletion should be corrected before initiating therapy with fosinopril sodium. In patients with heart failure, with or without associated renal insufficiency, ACE inhibitor therapy may cause excessive hypotension, which may be associated with oliguria or azotemia, and (rarely) with acute renal failure and death. In such patients, fosinopril sodium therapy should be started under close medical supervision; they should be followed closely for the first 2 weeks of treatment and whenever the dose of fosinopril or diuretic is increased. Consideration should be given to reducing the diuretic dose in patients with normal or low blood pressure who have been treated vigorously with diuretics or who are hyponatremic. If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in a supine position, and, if necessary, treated with intravenous infusion of physiological saline. Fosinopril sodium treatment usually can be continued following restoration of blood pressure and volume. Neutropenia/Agranulocytosis Another angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, has been shown to cause agranulocytosis and bone marrow depression, rarely in uncomplicated patients, but more frequently in patients with renal impairment, especially if they also have a collagen-vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. Available data from clinical trials of fosinopril are insufficient to show that fosinopril does not cause agranulocytosis at similar rates. Monitoring of white blood cell counts should be considered in patients with collagen-vascular disease, especially if the disease is associated with impaired renal function. Fetal Toxicity Pregnancy Category D Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. Resulting oligohydramnios can be associated with fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletal deformations. Potential neonatal adverse effects include skull hypoplasia, anuria, hypotension, renal failure, and death. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue fosinopril as soon as possible. These adverse outcomes are usually associated with use of these drugs in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Most epidemiologic studies examining fetal abnormalities after exposure to antihypertensive use in the first trimester have not distinguished drugs affecting the renin angiotensin system from other antihypertensive agents. Appropriate management of maternal hypertension during pregnancy is important to optimize outcomes for both mother and fetus. In the unusual case that there is no appropriate alternative to therapy with drugs affecting the renin angiotensin system for a particular patient, apprise the mother of the potential risk to the fetus. Perform serial ultrasound examinations to assess the intra-amniotic environment. If oligohydramnios is observed, discontinue fosinopril, unless it is considered lifesaving for the mother. Fetal testing may be appropriate, based on the week of pregnancy. Patients and physicians should be aware, however, that oligohydramnios may not appear until after the fetus has sustained irreversible injury. Closely observe infants with histories of in utero exposure to fosinopril for hypotension, oliguria, and hyperkalemia (see PRECAUTIONS , Pediatric Use ). No teratogenic effects of fosinopril were seen in studies of pregnant rats and rabbits. On a mg/kg basis, the doses used were up to 180 times (in rats) and one time (in rabbits) the maximum recommended human dose. Hepatic Failure Rarely, ACE inhibitors have been associated with a syndrome that starts with cholestatic jaundice and progresses to fulminant hepatic necrosis and (sometimes) death. The mechanism of this syndrome is not understood. Patients receiving ACE inhibitors who develop jaundice or marked elevations of hepatic enzymes should discontinue the ACE inhibitor and receive appropriate medical follow-up.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Fosinopril sodium is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this product or to any other angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (e.g., a patient who has experienced angioedema with any other ACE inhibitor therapy).
Overdosage
OVERDOSAGE Oral doses of fosinopril at 2600 mg/kg in rats were associated with significant lethality. Human overdoses of fosinopril have not been reported, but the most common manifestation of human fosinopril overdosage is likely to be hypotension. Laboratory determinations of serum levels of fosinoprilat and its metabolites are not widely available, and such determinations have, in any event, no established role in the management of fosinopril overdose. No data are available to suggest physiological maneuvers (e.g., maneuvers to change the pH of the urine) that might accelerate elimination of fosinopril and its metabolites. Fosinoprilat is poorly removed from the body by both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Angiotensin II could presumably serve as a specific antagonist-antidote in the setting of fosinopril overdose, but angiotensin II is essentially unavailable outside of scattered research facilities. Because the hypotensive effect of fosinopril is achieved through vasodilation and effective hypovolemia, it is reasonable to treat fosinopril overdose by infusion of normal saline solution. No adverse clinical events were reported in 23 pediatric patients, age 6 months to 6 years, given a single 0.3 mg/kg oral dose of fosinopril sodium. There is a published report of a 20-month-old female, weighing 12 kg, who ingested approximately 200 mg fosinopril sodium. After receiving gastric lavage and activated charcoal within one hour of the ingestion, she made an uneventful recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FOSINOPRIL SODIUM used for?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Fosinopril sodium tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. They may be used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics. Fosinopril sodium tablets are indicated in the management of heart failure as adjunctive therapy when added to conventional therapy including diuretics with or without digitalis (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ) . In using fosinopril sodium tablets, consideration should be given to the fact that another angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, has caused agranulocytosis, particularly in patients with renal impairment or…
What is the recommended dosage for FOSINOPRIL SODIUM?
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Hypertension Adults The recommended initial dose of fosinopril sodium tablets is 10 mg once a day, both as monotherapy and when the drug is added to a diuretic. Dosage should then be adjusted according to blood pressure response at peak (2 to 6 hours) and trough (about 24 hours after dosing) blood levels. The usual dosage range needed to maintain a response at trough is 20 mg to 40 mg but some patients appear to have a further response to 80 mg. In some patients treated with once daily dosing, the antihypertensive effect may diminish toward the end of the dosing…
Who should not take FOSINOPRIL SODIUM?
CONTRAINDICATIONS Fosinopril sodium is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this product or to any other angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (e.g., a patient who has experienced angioedema with any other ACE inhibitor therapy).
What are the side effects of FOSINOPRIL SODIUM?
ADVERSE REACTIONS Fosinopril sodium has been evaluated for safety in more than 2,100 individuals in hypertension and heart failure trials, including approximately 530 patients treated for a year or more. Generally, adverse events were mild and transient, and their frequency was not prominently related to dose within the recommended daily dosage range. Hypertension In placebo-controlled clinical trials (688 fosinopril sodium-treated patients), the usual duration of therapy was two to three months. Discontinuations due to any clinical or laboratory adverse event were 4.1% and 1.1% in fosinopril…
What are the important warnings for FOSINOPRIL SODIUM?
WARNINGS Anaphylactoid and Possible Related Reactions Presumably because angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors affect the metabolism of eicosanoids and polypeptides, including endogenous bradykinin, patients receiving ACE inhibitors (including fosinopril sodium) may be subject to a variety of adverse reactions, some of them serious. Head and Neck Angioedema: Angioedema involving the extremities, face, lips, mucous membranes, tongue, glottis, or larynx has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. If angioedema involves the tongue, glottis, or larynx, airway obstruction may…
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