Altace (Ramipril)

What is Altace?

Altace (ramipril) belongs to a group of drugs known as the ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors.

What is Altace used for?

Altace is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension. The drug is also used to treat congestive heart failure and other heart problems (such as heart attacks, stroke, etc.) in some high-risk patients.

How does Altace work?

Altace works by relaxing blood vessels and causing them to widen. Once the blood pressure is lowered; strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems are prevented.

How to use Altace

Altace should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Drink plenty of water each day while taking this medicine. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.

Altace warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to ramipril or other ACE inhibitors like captopril (Capoten), trandolapril (Mavik), benazepril (Lotensin), perindopril (Aceon), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), moexipril (Univasc) or  quinapril (Accupril). 

Prior to taking Altace, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or you are on dialysis, liver disease, congestive heart failure or heart disease, diabetes, connective tissue disease such as Sjogren's syndrome, Marfan syndrome, scleroderma, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, or if you ever had a severe allergic reaction.                                               

While using Altace avoid drinking alcohol as it can reduce your blood pressure and may enhance som

What do I do if I have missed a Altace dose?

If you have missed your Altace dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Altace overdose?

If you have taken an Altace overdose you should seek medical attention.

Altace interactions

Before taking Altace, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), salt substitutes that contain potassium, diuretic (water pill), potassium supplements such as K-Dur, Klor-Con,  aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin (Indocin), etodolac (Lodine), ketoprofen (Orudis), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), or if you take gold injections to treat arthritis.

Also, do not start a new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Altace side effects

Altace side effects include breathing difficulty; severe stomach pain; hives; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions.

Chest pain, numbness, swelling, weight gain, body ache, pale skin, flu symptoms, bruising, bleeding, weakness, muscle weakness, pounding or uneven heartbeats, tingly feeling, fainting, fever, slow heart rate, jaundice, weak pulse or decreased frequency of urination are also side effects from Altace. If you get any of these side effects after using Altace, contact your doctor right away.

Cough, nausea, vomiting, mild itching, skin rash, headache, dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness, impotence, decreased sex drive or difficulty having an orgasm are some less serious side effects of Altace.