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Tritace (Ramipril)

 

Ramipril (generic 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.

What are Ramipril (Tritace) capsules?

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 capsules are not yet available.

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 other drugs will affect Ramipril (Tritace)?

Before taking Ramipril (Tritace), tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• a diuretic (water pill).
• aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Naprosyn), naproxen (Aleve, ketoprofen (Orudis), indomethacin (Indocin), etodolac (Lodine), diclofenac (Voltaren), Advil), ibuprofen (Motrin, and others; or
• salt substitutes that contain potassium;
• a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Ramipril (Tritace). Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, herbal products, minerals, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Ramipril (Tritace) or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• This medicine passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended when taking this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
  
  
• This medicine should not be used in pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, as it may affect the growth and development of the foetus or have adverse effects on foetal tissues. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
  
  

What side effects may I notice from taking Ramipril (Tritace)?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•decreased amount of urine passed
•difficulty breathing, itching
•swelling of your face, lips, or chest pain
•fever or chills
•numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes
•skin rash, palpitations, lightheadedness or fainting spells
•fast or uneven heart beat