Altace 2.5mg (Generic)

WHAT IS THIS MEDICATION FOR?

Altace 2.5mg (Generic) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients at risk for these problems and to improve survival in patients with heart failure after a heart attack.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Ramipril lowers blood pressure by lowering a strong chemical in the body. It helps the heart work better. It helps blood flow.

HOW TO USE?

Take as you have been told, even if you are feeling better. Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach. You may sprinkle contents of capsule on applesauce or in apple juice. Do not chew. Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing. Headache. Bad taste in your mouth. This most often goes back to normal. Cough.

WHAT TO DO IF I MISS A DOSE?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take more often than every 12 hours unless told to do so by your doctor. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.

PRECAUTIONS:

If you have an allergy to ramipril or any other part of this drug. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have high blood sugar (diabetes) and are taking aliskiren. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

WHEN DO I NEED TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP?

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain. Very bad dizziness or passing out. Trouble breathing. Too much sweat, fluid loss, throwing up, or loose stools. May lead to low blood pressure. A big weight gain. Swelling in your legs or belly. Cough that does not go away. Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

CAN I TAKE IT WITH OTHER MEDICINES?

Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines: lithium, aspirin, other medicines for blood pressure or heart conditions, NSAIDs, for example, diclofenac, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen, diabetes medicine, potassium supplements (either as a medicine or as a salt substitute). Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

FOOD RESTRICTIONS:

Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Speak to your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake. Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Speak to your doctor if you have a drinking problem.

HOW TO STORE:

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

PREGNANCY CATEGORY:

Category D: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION:

ACE InhibitorsDirect Renin Inhibitors.