ALTACE (Ramipril) is a type of medicine called an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. It is a chemical compound that helps create a protein named angiotensin II. Angiotensin II can raise blood pressure by causing your blood vessels to narrow. ALTACE® helps lower your blood pressure by decreasing the amount of ACE your body makes.
RAMIPRIL (Altace®) is an antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering agent) known as an ACE inhibitor. Ramipril controls high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels; it is not a cure. High blood pressure levels can damage your kidneys, and may lead to a stroke or heart failure.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need 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, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take ramipril capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine 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 this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a 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 doses.
What drug(s) may interact with ramipril?
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
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 or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking ramipril?
Side effects 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 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
What should I watch for while taking ramipril?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking ramipril. 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 ramipril 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 ramipril.
You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how ramipril 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 ramipril.
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.
Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What is the shelf life of the drugs?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
Very often our web site visitors ask us about generic medications. In this section we have placed some useful information about generic drugs in general and about the ones we have in our product list. Read more
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