Altace Blood Pressure Preventative Medication

Enzyme inhibitor and prescription medication Altace is used by heart attack survivors and people with hypertension. This medication shouldn’t be used by people with low blood pressure as it can cause blood pressure levels to hit dangerous lows. Brand names of this medication include Trilace and Ramipril. This drug belongs to the group of medications known as ACE Inhibitors or Angiotension Conversion Inhibitor drugs. Altace relaxes arterial muscles to increase the blood flow through dilated arteries on the way to the heart by slowing the production of Angiotensin II.

Suggested Usage

This drug is used in the treatment of hypertension and to help to prevent heart conditions related to a previous heart attack. Most patients prescribed this medication are over the age of 55.

Altace is a preventative medication, meaning this medication works to prevent more damage rather than correcting damage that is already done. This medication is used to prevent death and other conditions that can occur from heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. This medication is also given to patients before revascularization procedures are done.

Safety Precautions

• This medication should not be shared with others; it is to be taken under the care of a licensed medical professional.
• Pregnant women or those who plan to become pregnant in the near future shouldn’t use this medication as it can cause harm to the unborn child.
• Patients who are taking potassium supplements should not take this medication without approval and strict supervision from their physician. Blood tests will be needed to make sure potassium stays within safe levels.
• This medication should be taken with plenty of fluids, increasing fluid intake by drinking an additional six 8 oz glasses of water daily is suggested. When not enough fluids are being consumed with this medication it is possible to experience kidney damage, low blood pressure, and an electrolyte disorder.

General Instructions

Altace can be taken without regards to meal times. The initial dose should be around 1.25mg daily and then will increase. Therapeutic dosages are usually between 2.5mg and 20mg daily. Your physician’s instructions need to be followed carefully. Dosage may need to be adjusted as your body changes with time.

Adverse Reactions

Altace can affect thinking and mood in general. This medication is used to lower blood pressure so it has the ability to drop blood pressure to unhealthy lows. During the first few days of taking this medication you shouldn’t drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how you are going to react. Side effects can include insomnia or tiredness and dizziness along with headaches caused by low blood pressure. Mild chest pain and body aches have also been noted. This may wear off after a couple days of being on the medication. Let your doctor know if you are having problems with this. Light bruising and abnormal bleeding have been associated with taking this medication. A cough can also be related to taking Altace.

If you notice unexpected side effects or if these side effects become bothersome you should discuss it with your physician. Store this medication in a moisture proof container away from light and extreme temperatures.