ALTACE (Ramipril) is a type of medicine called an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. It is a chemical compound that helps create a protein named angiotensin II. Angiotensin II can raise blood pressure by causing your blood vessels to narrow. ALTACE® helps lower your blood pressure by decreasing the amount of ACE your body makes.
Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor. It controls blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels, though it is not a cure. Your kidneys could become damaged or you can eve get a stroke or heart failure due to high blood pressure level.
Tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:
pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
an unusual or allergic reaction to Ramipril, other medicines, foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances
you are on a special diet, such as low-salt diet
autoimmune disease (such as lupus), or suppressed immune function
kidney disease
previuos swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, swallowing, tightening of the throat (angioedema), hoarseness
low blood pressure
bone marrow disease
kidney disease
liver disease
heart or blood vessel disease
How to use:
Strictly follow your doctor's instructions
Follow the directions on the prescription label
Take your doses at regular intervals
Do not stop taking Ramipril until you are told so by your doctor
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can
Avoid taking double or extra doses
Safety issues:
Visit your doctor regularly for checks on your progress.
Ramipril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other tasks that require mental alertness until you know how Ramipril affects you.
Tell your doctor if you are going to have surgery.
Do not treat yourself for colds, cough, or pain without your doctor's permission.
What medicines may interact with Ramipril?
water pills
NSAIDs
potassium salts
gold compounds, often used for arthritis
MAO inhibitors
hawthorn
medicines for high blood pressure
medicines for diabetes
lithium
heparin
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
swelling of your face, lips, or tongue
decreased amount of urine passed
skin rash, itching
difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing
numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes
lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting spells
fever or chills
fast or uneven heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
tiredness
change in taste
cough
headache
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
