Uses

RAMIPRIL (Altace) is an antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering agent) known as an ACE inhibitor. Ramipril controls high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels; it is not a cure. High blood pressure levels can damage your kidneys, and may lead to a stroke or heart failure. Generic ramipril tablets are not yet available.

How to take

Take ramipril capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking ramipril except on your prescriber''s advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Side Effects

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:; decreased amount of urine passed; difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing; dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells; fast or uneven heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain; fever or chills; numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes; skin rash, itching; swelling of your face, lips, or tongue Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):; change in taste; cough; headache; tiredness

Precaution

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking ramipril. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you notice an uneven or fast heart beat. Do not treat yourself for a fever or sore throat; check with your prescriber or health care professional as these may be the result of a ramipril side effect. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of body fluid can make it dangerous to take ramipril. You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how ramipril affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using ramipril. Avoid salt substitutes or other foods or substances high in potassium salts. Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using ramipril without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Drug interactions

antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen); hawthorn; heparin; lithium; medicines for high blood pressure; potassium salts; water pills Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you take only one dose a day and forget to take it that day, do not take a double dose the next day.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.