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Ramipril

 

Ramipril (generic Altace, Tritace) Review

brand name: Altace
generic name: Ramipril

How does it work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients, ramipril and felodipine.

Ramipril belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors which block the action of a chemical in the body called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Normally ACE produces another chemical, angiotensin.

Angiotensin has two actions. Firstly, it causes the blood vessels to tighten and narrow and secondly, it causes the kidneys to produce less urine. As ramipril stops the production of angiotensin, these actions are reversed. Therefore more urine is produced by the kidneys, which results in less fluid in the blood vessels. The blood vessels also widen. The overall effect of this is a drop in blood pressure and a decrease in the workload of the heart.


Felodipine belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers, which act on the heart and blood vessels. Felodipine slows the movement of calcium through cells, which has two results. Firstly, it decreases the rate at which the heart beats and secondly, it has a widening effect on blood vessels. The overall effect of this is to reduce blood pressure.

The combination of these two medicines is particularly useful in the treatment of high blood pressure.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of low blood pressure are likely to be the primary warning of an Altace overdose.

What should I watch for while taking Ramipril (Altace)?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking Ramipril (Tritace). 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 (Altace).

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how Ramipril (Tritace) 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 (Altace) without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child, particularly in the second or third trimester. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

Ramipril (Altace) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; severe stomach pain; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• swelling, rapid weight gain.
• chest pain; or
• tired feeling, muscle weakness, and pounding or uneven heartbeats;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• mild skin itching or rash.
• nausea, vomiting; or
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
• cough;

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is it used for?

• High blood pressure (hypertension) in people already stabilised on the separate components of this medicine
  
  

Why is Altace prescribed?

Altace is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications, especially thiazide-type water pills (diuretics). Altace works by preventing the conversion of a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I into a more potent substance that increases salt and water retention in your body. It also enhances blood flow in your circulatory system. It is a member of the group of drugs called ACE inhibitors.

If you do suffer a heart attack and develop heart failure, Altace can be prescribed to prevent the condition from getting worse.

Altace is also prescribed to reduce the chances of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in people 55 years or older who are in danger of such an event. Typical candidates include those who suffer from coronary artery disease, poor circulation, stroke, or diabetes and have at least one other risk factor, such as low HDL ("good") cholesterol, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, or cigarette smoking.