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Drug Uses
Altace (Ramipril) is used for treating high blood pressure and decreasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in certain patients. Altace (Ramipril) may also be used to treat congestive heart disease following a heart attack or for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Altace (Ramipril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by causing blood vessels to relax so that blood flows more freely and at a lower pressure. It also increases the heart's ability to pump blood in some types of heart failure.
Before using
Warning: Altace (Ramipril) can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking clozapine, indomethacin, lithium, potassium, azathioprine, diuretics, or medicines used to treat diabetes. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including connective tissue diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Use of Altace (Ramipril) is not recommended if you have a history of kidney artery narrowing, or if you have experienced an allergic reaction (angioedema) to other ace inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using Altace (Ramipril) provided by your doctor. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, the contents may be sprinkled on a small amount of applesauce or mixed with 4 ounces (120ml) of water or juice. It is best to eat or drink the entire mixture immediately after mixing. These mixtures may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Store Altace (Ramipril) at room temperature, away from heat and light. 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.
Cautions
Do not stop using Altace (Ramipril) without first checking with your doctor. 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. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine.
Do not use a salt substitute without checking with your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women: use of Altace (Ramipril) 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 drug is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may occur during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; headache; dry cough; or dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience shortness of breath, hives, irregular or slow heartbeat, or chest pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual tiredness or weakness; bruising or bleeding more easily; swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
if overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness and eakness.
Additional information
Do not share Altace (Ramipril) 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 using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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