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ALTACE
IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING 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 USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ALTACE.
RAMIPRIL - ORAL CAPSULE (RAM-ih-prill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
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:
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.
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