Altace (ramipril)
GENERIC:
Ramipril 5mg CAPS - 100's
Ramipril 5mg CAPS - 30's
Ramipril 5mg CAPS - 60's
Ramipril 5mg TABS - 100's
Ramipril 5mg TABS - 200's
Ramipril 5mg TABS - 30's
Ramipril 5mg TABS - 60's
Ramipril 10mg CAPS - 200's
Ramipril 10mg CAPS - 30's
Ramipril 10mg CAPS - 60's
Ramipril 10mg TABS - 100's
Ramipril 10mg TABS - 200's
Ramipril 10mg TABS - 30's
Ramipril 10mg TABS - 60's
BRAND:
Altace (Ramipril) is used alone or in combination with other
medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to
reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients at risk
for these problems and to improve survival in patients with
heart failure after a heart attack. Altace is in a class of
medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that
tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the
heart can pump blood more efficiently.
How should this medicine be used?
Altace
comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once
or twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to
take Altace, take it around the same time every day. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take Altace exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it
or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsule whole, or open the capsule and sprinkle the
contents on a small amount of applesauce (about 4 oz.) or in 4
oz. of water or apple juice. Eat or drink the entire mixture.
This mixture can be prepared in advance and stored for 24 hours
at room temperature or 48 hours in the refrigerator.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of Altace and
gradually increase your dose.
Altace controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does
not cure them. Continue to take Altace even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking Altace without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I
follow?
Before taking Altace,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
Altace, benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril
(Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil,
Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril
(Accupril), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements,
and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of
the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
medications (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin); diuretics
('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); and potassium
supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver,
or kidney disease; lupus; scleroderma; diabetes; or angioedema,
a condition that causes difficulty swallowing or breathing and
painful swelling of the the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes,
hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
• tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are
breast-feeding.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking Altace.
• you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough
fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure,
which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.
What special dietary instructions should I
follow?
Talk to your doctor before using salt
substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a
low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions
carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue your regular regular dosing schedule. Do not take a
double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Altace may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• headache
• dizziness
• cough
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• excessive tiredness
• weakness
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are
uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor
immediately:
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands,
feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
• lightheadedness
• fainting
Altace may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you
have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are needed for this
medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the
bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no
longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper
disposal of your medication.
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