ramipril – oral, Altace
WARNING: This drug can cause serious harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.
MEDICATION USES: Ramipril is used to treat high blood pressure. It helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Ramipril also improves survival after a heart attack. It may be used in high-risk patients to prevent heart attacks and strokes. This medication may also treat heart failure in patients who have had a recent heart attack. Ramipril works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.
OTHER USES: This medication may also help protect the kidneys from harm due to diabetes.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. If you are taking the capsule form, swallow it whole. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, it may be opened and the contents sprinkled onto cool applesauce or mixed in water or apple juice. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, and dry cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Serious side effects may include fainting, high potassium blood level, signs of infection, change in urine amount, and liver problems. Seek medical help right away if you experience a serious allergic reaction. This is not a complete list of side effects.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking ramipril, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or other ACE inhibitors. Discuss your medical history, especially of allergic reactions, blood filtering procedures, high potassium levels, and collagen vascular disease. Avoid driving or using machinery if this drug makes you dizzy. Talk to your doctor about using potassium supplements or salt substitutes. This medication is not recommended during pregnancy and may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug may interact with other medications. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Avoid getting injections for bee/wasp sting while taking ramipril.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs and exercise may benefit you.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. If you have opened the capsule, keep the mixture in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Dispose of this product properly when it is expired or no longer needed.
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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
