DRUG NAME: Altace
BRAND NAMES: Altace
GENERIC NAMES: ramipril (RA mi prill)
WHAT DOES IT DO:
- Ramipril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).
- Ramipril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), to prevent heart failure following a heart attack, and to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in patients who are at an increased risk for these problems.
- Ramipril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
HOW TO USE:
Take Altace capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the Altace prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take Altace more often than directed. Do not stop taking ramipril except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of Altace in children. Special care may be needed.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Side effects of Altace that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: decreased amount of urine passed; difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing; dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells; fast or uneven heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain; fever or chills; numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes; skin rash, itching; swelling of your face, lips, or tongue.
Side effects of Altace that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): change in taste; cough; headache; tiredness.
PRECAUTIONS:
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking altace. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you notice an uneven or fast heart beat. Do not treat yourself for a fever or sore throat; check with your prescriber or health care professional as these may be the result of a Altace side effect.
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of body fluid can make it dangerous to take altace.
You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how altace affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using Altace.
Avoid salt substitutes or other foods or substances high in potassium salts.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using ramipril without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
Do not take ramipril if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, ramipril can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen); hawthorn; heparin; lithium; medicines for high blood pressure; potassium salts; water pills.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping Altace or starting any of your medicines.
NOTES:
Prescriber needs to know if you have any of these conditions: autoimmune disease (such as lupus), or suppressed immune function; previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema); bone marrow disease; heart or blood vessel disease; liver disease; low blood pressure; kidney disease; if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet; an unusual or allergic reaction to ramipril, other ACE inhibitors, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss an Altace dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra Altace doses. If you take only one dose a day and forget to take it that day, do not take a double dose the next day.
STORAGE:
Keep Altace out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store Altace at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused Altace after the expiration date.
