DRUG TITLE

Altace (Ramipril)

USE OF THE MEDICINE

Altace is used to treat heart failure (congestive heart failure or CHF) and high blood pressure (hypertension). Treatment also prevents heart attacks, strokes and deaths from heart disease. Altace slows the progression of renal failure in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Indications for use of the drug

The usual dose of  Altace is 2.5-20 mg once or twice a day

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Altace belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes.

ACE inhibitors, such as Altace, lower blood pressure by decreasing production of angiotensin II, there by relaxing the arterial muscles and enlarging the arteries.

MISSED DOSE

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If at this point it is time for the next dose, skip the dose of rejection and return to your normal schedule the reception. Do not take 2 doses at once.

STORAGE

Store capsules at room temperature 15-30C

PRECAUTIONS MEASURES

Do not take this medicine if you have an allergic reaction to it, like other ACE inhibitors, or are allergic to any ingredient in this product.

Do not exceed recommended dosage without consulting your doctor. It may take several weeks to achieve the effect of drugs.

Laboratory or medical tests, including tests of liver function, kidney disease, blood pressure, blood parameters and blood electrolytes may be performed to monitor the progress or check for side effects.

Before you begin any medical or dental treatment when receiving emergency care, or surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.

Do not drive, do not operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Use of this medication by itself, with other medicines or with alcohol may reduce your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks. If dizzy or stand up sit down slowly.

This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid sun exposure, tanning or tanning until you are sure how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for long periods.

Drink plenty of fluids during exercise or other activity that is accompanied by excessive sweating. If you experience difficulty breathing; uneasiness of the chest swelling of eyelids, face or lips, or, if you find a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately.

Do not stop taking this medication, as long as your doctor will advise. This drug may reduce resistance to infection. To prevent infection, avoid contact with people with colds or other infections.

Do not use a salt substitute or potassium supplement without the consent of the other doctor.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, prescription or nonprescription, check with your doctor.

For women: use of this medicine during pregnancy leads to fetal death or neonatal. If you think you may be pregnant, consult a physician immediately.

Do not breast-feed while taking this medication.

If you have diabetes, this medication may affect your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor first to adjust the dosage of your medication for diabetes.

SIDE EFFECTS

Usually well tolerated Altace, side effects are usually mild and pass quickly.
A dry, persistent cough associated with Altace and other ACE inhibitors. The cough stopped after discontinuing the drug.
Other side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of taste, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fainting and numbness or tingling in hands or feet.

Altace and other ACE inhibitors also may cause kidney failure and increased levels of potassium in the blood. The most serious but, fortunately, very rare side effect - is  liver failure and angioedema (swelling of the lips and throat that can obstruct breathing).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Do not take this medicine to give to others. Do not use this medicine for other diseases.
If you take this medicine for an extended period of time, do not forget to get a prescription for a medicine before it is ran out.