Capsule

Generic, Hoechst Marion Roussel

Altace (ramipril) is used, in combination with other medications, to treat high blood pressure in adults and to manage congestive heart failure in stable patients within the first few days after a heart attack. Altace (ramipril) is also used to reduce the risk of developing heart attack, stroke, and death due to serious heart problems in adults 55 years of age and older.

Do not take Altace (ramipril) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Altace (ramipril) you have a history of hives or skin inflammation, or swelling of the face, hands, feet, lips, tongue, or throat with previous treatment with Altace (ramipril) or similar medications or from unknown causes you are more than 3 months pregnant

Before using Altace (ramipril), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine or dietary supplements if you have any other medical conditions (kidney or liver problems). Altace (ramipril) may lower the state of alertness particularly at the start of treatment.

Do not use Altace (ramipril) after the third month of pregnancy. When Altace (ramipril) and similar medications are used after the third month of pregnancy, Altace (ramipril) and similar medications can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Stop taking Altace (ramipril) as soon as possible after pregnancy is detected. Use of Altace (ramipril) has been reported to be associated with angioedema (swelling of lips, face, tongue, glottis, or larynx). Laryngeal involvement can cause airway obstruction and can be life threatening.

Other: : Increased creatinine; increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN); decreases in hemoglobin or hematocrit; hyponatremia; elevations of liver enzymes, serum bilirubin, uric acid, blood glucose; proteinuria and significant increases in serum potassium.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Altace (ramipril) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Altace (ramipril) can be taken without regard to meals or food. Although Altace (ramipril) is usually swallowed whole, the capsule can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a small amount (4 oz) of applesauce or mixed in 4 oz of water or apple juice. Be sure to consume either of the mixtures completely. These mixtures can be pre-prepared and stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours or refrigerated for up to 48 hours. The amount of medicine you are taking should be gradually adjusted by your health care provider to achieve the best results. Report to your health care provider at once if you think that you pregnant. If you experience swelling of the face, arms, legs, eyes, lips, or tongue, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, stop taking Altace (ramipril) and talk with your health care provider at once. Dizziness and lightheadedness can occur, especially during the first few days of taking Altace (ramipril) or when you are increasing the amount you have taking. If this occurs, tell your doctor. If fainting occurs, stop taking Altace (ramipril) until you talk with your doctor. Excessive sweating, not drinking enough fluids, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to an excessive fall in blood pressure while taking Altace (ramipril). These conditions can cause fainting and lightheadedness as well. Before starting Altace (ramipril), if you are also taking water pills, your doctor may have you stop taking the water pill 3 days before beginning Altace (ramipril). If your blood pressure cannot be controlled by Altace (ramipril) alone, you can begin starting the water pill again, under the instructions of your health care provider. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking with your doctor or pharmacist. Contact your doctor if you develop any yellowing of the skin or eyes. Report any sign of infection, such as sore throat or fever, to your health care provider. Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or rundown for the first few weeks after beginning treatment. Continue taking Altace (ramipril) even though you may not feel quite "normal". Contact your doctor or pharmacist about any new symptoms. Lab tests may be required while taking Altace (ramipril). Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop or change the amount of medicine you are taking unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Patients with other medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Altace (ramipril). Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Altace (ramipril) capsules between 59 to 86 degrees F. Keep bottle tightly closed.