What is Altace (Ramipril)?

Ramipril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.

Ramipril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Ramipril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Altace (Ramipril)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ramipril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), or trandolapril (Mavik).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use ramipril:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
• liver disease
• heart disease or congestive heart failure
• diabetes
• a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis; or
• if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Ramipril could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Ramipril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Altace Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Altace (Ramipril)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling light-headed, fainting
• urinating less than usual, or not at all
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
• pounding or uneven heartbeats
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• chest pain; or
• swelling, rapid weight gain

Less serious side effects may include:

• cough
• dizziness, drowsiness, headache
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm
• nausea, vomiting; or
• mild skin itching or rash

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Altace Interactions

What other drugs affect Altace (Ramipril)?

Before taking ramipril, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• a diuretic (water pill)
• gold injections to treat arthritis
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith)
• a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con
• salt substitutes that contain potassium; or
• aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and others

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with ramipril. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Altace (Ramipril)?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of ramipril.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking ramipril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Altace Dosage

How should I take Altace (Ramipril)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Ramipril can be taken with or without food.

Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking ramipril. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking ramipril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store ramipril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Altace (Ramipril)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling extremely dizzy or light-headed, or fainting.

What happens if I miss a dose of Altace (Ramipril)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com