Indications
Altace is a medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and is also prescribed to people who have suffered from heart failure after a heart attack. The active ingredient in Altace is Ramipril. Ramipril belongs to the class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. By blocking the action of ACE, Altace helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, increasing blood flow, and reducing the workload on the heart.
Ramipril is used alone and in combination with specific diuretics (water pills) to treat high blood pressure. Ramipril may also be used to reduce the risk of problems associated with heart disease for people over 55 years old who are at an elevated risk of having these problems.
Uses and Dosage
To use Altace (ramipril), take the medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. If you are taking the tablet form of Ramipril, swallow it whole with a full glass of water. Your dosage will depend on your medical condition and response to treatment and should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.
The dosage may vary depending on the patient's condition, medical history, and other factors, and may be adjusted by the prescribing doctor.
- To treat high blood pressure: the usual starting dose for people not using diuretics (water pills) is 2.5 mg once daily. The dose is usually increased according to need every 2 weeks. The usual dose range is between 2.5 mg and 10 mg daily. For people using diuretics, your doctor may start with a lower dose of 1.25 mg daily or ask you to stop using the diuretic for 2 or 3 days before starting ramipril.
- For people at increased risk of heart disease events: the recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg once daily, increasing gradually to 10 mg daily if tolerated.
- For treatment following a heart attack: the usual starting dose varies depending on existing medical conditions, blood pressure, and other medications. The recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg twice daily, increased every 1 to 3 days if appropriate. The dose should not exceed 5 mg twice daily. A lower dose of 1.25 mg twice daily may be needed for those who experience low blood pressure because of taking the medication.
You should not adjust your dosage or stop taking the medication without first consulting with your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you have any questions or concerns about how to use Altace, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Altace (Ramipril):
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Spinning sensation
- Tiredness
- Dry cough
- Stomach discomfort
Serious Side Effects of Altace (Ramipril):
- Fainting
- Muscle weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Changes in urine output
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Yellowish eyes and skin
Form and Strength
Altace (Ramipril) is available in the following forms and strength:
Altace: Tablet
- 1.25mg
- 2.5mg
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
Ramipril: Tablet
- 1.25mg
- 2.5mg
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
Caution
- Altace may interact with certain medications, inform your doctor of all medications you are taking before starting this medication. You should not take potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes while taking Altace, and you should use caution when taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or diuretics.
- Altace has a boxed warning about the risk of fetal toxicity if taken during pregnancy.
- Altace may cause side effects, and this is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects.
- Adjustments for elderly patients: Elderly patients may be more likely to have age-related heart, kidney, or liver problems, which may require a dosage adjustment.
- Not all possible drug interactions with Altace are listed and consult a healthcare provider about potential interactions.
- Altace has a boxed warning for fetal toxicity, which means that it should be discontinued as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected.
- Altace may cause certain side effects, and although this is not a complete list, sudden swelling of the face, arms, legs, and lips was mentioned as one of the possible side effects.
- Elderly patients may require an adjustment in dosage due to age-related heart, kidney, or liver problems.
- There may be possible drug interactions with ramipril, and the list of medications that interact with it may not be complete.
- Ramipril may be used to prevent kidney problems or treat people who have kidney problems, but this does not exclude the possibility of side effects, and one should talk to their doctor before taking Altace if they have kidney problems.
- Patients should call their doctor if they become pregnant while taking ramipril.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I tell my doctor before starting Altace?
Before starting Altace, inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, as well as any medical conditions you may have. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or monitor you more closely if you have kidney problems or certain other medical condition.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Altace?
If you miss a dose of Altace, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Is Altace safe during pregnancy?
Altace should not be used during pregnancy, as it may harm the developing fetus. If you become pregnant while taking Altace, inform your doctor immediately.
How long does it take for Altace to start working?
The effects of Altace on blood pressure may become apparent within 1 to 2 weeks of starting treatment, although it may take up to 4 weeks for the full effects to be seen.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/ramipril/what-is
- https://www.drugs.com/altace.html
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/019901s060lbl.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8982/altace-oral/details
- https://www.pfizer.com/products/product-detail/altace
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/altace
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