Altace

Warning:
Altace can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using Altace and immediately contact your physician.

Uses:
Altace belongs to a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors prevent certain enzymes in the body from narrowing the blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure and makes the heart beat stronger. Ramipril is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and, in certain cases, to prevent heart problems (such as heart attacks) and/or strokes.

How to Take:
Altace may be taken without regard to meals. Take it exactly as prescribed and try to take it at the same time each day. Swallow capsules whole, or the contents of the capsule may be sprinkled on a small amount of soft food such as applesauce or mixed in apple juice or water. Swallow or drink the entire mixture. Do not stop taking Altace without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It is important to continue taking Altace even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Side Effects:
Dizziness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, fatigue or dry cough may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, tingling of the hands or feet, yellowing of eyes or skin, persistent sore throat and fever. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions:
Before taking Altace tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: swelling, high blood levels of potassium, kidney disease or kidney dialysis, salt restrictive diets, liver disease, heart problems, any allergies you may have. Consult your doctor before using salt substitutes or low salt milk. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Limit your intake of alcohol and use caution when exercising or during hot weather as these can aggravate dizziness and lightheadedness. Altace should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last six months of the pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Single-dose tests have not shown Altace to be excreted into breast milk. It is unknown if more doses would produce different test results. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when Altace is used in the elderly. Caution is advised when Altace is used in children.

Drug Interactions:
Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially: lithium, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing "water pills" (e.g. aldosterone), anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Avoid "stimulant" drugs that may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold medicine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness and weakness.

Notes:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking Altace. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor.

Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage:
Store the capsule at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. The medication mixture of food or liquid can be kept at room temperature for 24 hours or refrigerated for 48 hours.

NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.