Zofenopril is used to keep your blood pressure under control. This medicine relaxes your blood vessels, and this helps lower your blood pressure.
Zofenopril may also be used to treat other conditions such as heart attack.
Take Zofenopril exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Zofenopril must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of serious allergic reaction which causes swelling of the face, nose and throat due to similar medicines e.g. captopril, enalapril
- with or a family history of serious allergic reaction which causes swelling of the face, nose and throat
- severe liver disease
- one functioning kidney with artery stenosis (narrowing of the arteries of the kidneys)
as Zofenopril may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Zofenopril if you are on your 2nd to 3rd trimester of pregnancy. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Zofenopril may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not take Zofenopril with aliskiren (medicine used to treat high blood pressure) if you have diabetes and severe kidney disease.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure caused by kidney problem
- aortic stenosis (narrowing of the heart valves)
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (abnormally thick heart muscle)
- angina pectoris (chest pain)
- diabetes
- liver disease
- kidney disease or undergoing dialysis treatment
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- psoriasis (a type of skin disease that is caused by itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales)
Let your doctor know if you are on your 1st trimester of pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to an elderly.
If you are undergoing apheresis (a procedure which involves separation of the blood), desensitisation treatment (allergy injection) for insect stings, and operation which requires anaesthesia including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it.
- Your doctor may also need to do routine blood tests (e.g. liver and kidney function tests, blood potassium levels) while you are being treated with Zofenopril.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity (e.g. walking) at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to kick your smoking habit.
Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up.
Zofenopril may cause dizziness and drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
You may also feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the very first time. This is common and should improve gradually as you get used to Zofenopril. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position. If you are also taking this medicine for the first time, take the first dose of at bedtime to minimise dizziness.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, dry cough, tiredness, weakness, muscle pain or cramps, difficulty sleeping, flushing and itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of face, eyes, mouth or throat
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness, fast or irregular heartbeat
- severe persistent stomach pain and tiredness, yellowing of the eyes or skin
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Zofenopril with aliskiren (medicine used to treat high blood pressure) if you have diabetes and severe kidney disease.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for heart diseases e.g. glyceryl trinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate
- medicines for water retention or water pills e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, amiloride
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, gliclazide, glipizide, sitagliptin
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. aspirin, diclofenac, indometacin, celecoxib
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. sirolimus, ciclosporin
- potassium supplements (either as a medicine or a as a salt substitute)
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- allopurinol (medicine for gout)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Zofenopril.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Speak to your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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