Altace-Blood Pressure

Altace


Altace is used for the treatment of heart failure (congestive heart failure or CHF) and high blood pressure (hypertension). Treatment also prevents heart attacks, strokes and deaths due to heart disease.

• Drug Name

Altace (Ramipril)

• Drug Uses

Altace is used for the treatment of heart failure (congestive heart failure or CHF) and high blood pressure (hypertension). Treatment also prevents heart attacks, strokes and deaths due to heart disease. Altace slows the progression of kidney failure in patients with diabetes.

• How Taken

The usual dose of ramipril is 2.5-20 mg a day as a single dose or two divided doses.

• Drug Class and Mechanism

Altace belongs in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors which are used for treating high blood pressure and heart failure and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other ACE inhibitors are enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), benazepril (Lotensin), lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil), moexipril (Univasc) and trandolapril (Mavik). ACE is important because it produces the protein, angiotensin II. Angiotensin II contracts the muscles of most arteries in the body, including the heart, thereby narrowing the arteries and elevating the blood pressure. In the kidney, the narrowing caused by angiotensin II also increases blood pressure and decreases the flow of blood. ACE inhibitors such as Altace lower blood pressure by reducing the production of angiotensin II, thereby, relaxing the arterial muscles and enlarging the arteries. The enlargement of the arteries throughout the body reduces the blood pressure against which the heart must pump blood, and it becomes easier for the heart to pump blood. The arteries supplying the heart with blood also enlarge. This increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, and this improves further the ability of the heart to pump blood. The effects of ACE inhibitors are particularly beneficial to people with congestive heart failure. In the kidneys, the enlargement of the arteries also reduces blood pressure and increases blood flow.

• Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

• Storage

Store capsules at room temperature between 15-30A°C (59-86A°F).

• Warnings/Precautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to other ACE inhibitors, or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. It may take several weeks for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver function, kidney function, blood pressure, blood counts, and blood electrolytes may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when you begin taking this medicine. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, withother medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand slowly. This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Drink plenty of fluids during exercise or other activities where excessive sweating may occur. If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. This medicine may lower your resistance to infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. Do not use a salt substitute or other potassiumsupplement without checking with your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. For women: use of this medicine during pregnancy has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

• Possible Side Effects

Altace generally is well tolerated, and side effects are usually mild and transient. A dry, persistent cough has been reported with the use of Altace and other ACE inhibitors. Coughing resolves after discontinuing the drug. Other side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of taste, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fainting and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Altace and other ACE inhibitors also may cause kidney failure and increased levels of potassium in the blood. The most serious but, fortunately, very rare side effects are liver failure and angioedema (swelling of lips and throat that can obstruct breathing).

• More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If you will be taking this medicine for an extended period of time, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.



Altace