Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
This medication is prescribed for the management of high blood pressure (hypertension), aiming to reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney issues. The formulation consists of two active components: ramipril and hydrochlorothiazide. Ramipril, an ACE inhibitor, functions by easing the tension in blood vessels, facilitating smoother blood flow throughout the body. Hydrochlorothiazide enhances urine production, eliminating excess water and salt from the body. It also contributes to the relaxation of blood vessels, promoting improved blood circulation. These medications are combined when a single drug proves insufficient in controlling blood pressure.
Uses and Dosage
Take this medication orally, with or without food, as per your doctor’s instructions, typically once a day. Refrain from chewing or crushing the tablet. If taken too close to bedtime, you may experience the need to wake up for urination.
Optimal administration is upon waking up in the morning. If you have queries about your dosing schedule, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are also using certain medications to lower cholesterol (such as bile acid-binding resins like cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after these drugs.
The prescribed dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.
Consistently use this medication to derive the maximum benefit. To aid in remembering, take it at the same time daily.
Continue taking the medication even if you feel well, as individuals with high blood pressure often do not experience symptoms. It may take several weeks to realize the full benefits of this drug.
Do not discontinue this medication without consulting your doctor first, as abruptly stopping the drug may exacerbate certain conditions. Adjustments to your dose may need to be made gradually.
Inform your doctor if your condition deteriorates, such as an increase in routine blood pressure readings.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- constipation
- cough (dry, persistent)
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- flushing
- headache
- hair loss
- muscle pain
- muscle stiffness
- nasal congestion
- sensitivity to sunlight
- sexual difficulties (for men)
- trouble sleeping
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- abdominal pain
- attention difficulties
- breast enlargement (men)
- dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when rising from a lying or sitting position
- fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, or palpitations
- unusual nosebleeds
- bruising
- blood in urine
- coughing blood
- bleeding gums
- cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
- skin lesions that do not heal, new moles, or changes to existing moles
- skin rash (with or without itching), fever, or joint pain
- swelling of hands, ankles or feet
- vision changes
Caution
- Before using this product, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you have, specifically to ramipril, hydrochlorothiazide, other ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), other thiazides (like chlorothiazide), or any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product could trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Prior to taking this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of allergic reactions resulting in facial/lip/tongue/throat swelling (angioedema), kidney disease (such as renal artery stenosis), untreated mineral imbalances, dehydration, blood exchange procedures, liver disease, gout, lupus, or skin cancer.
- This medication may induce dizziness. The consumption of alcohol or marijuana can intensify this effect. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities that require alertness until you can do so safely.
- To mitigate dizziness, maintain adequate fluid intake unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may lead to lightheadedness. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor.
- This medication may heighten sensitivity to the sun and increase the risk of skin cancer, especially with prolonged use.
- Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing outdoors. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience sunburn, skin blisters/redness, or observe new or changed moles/skin lesions.
- The product may influence potassium levels. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium.
- For individuals with diabetes, this medication may affect blood sugar levels. Monitor blood sugar regularly and share results with your doctor. Inform your doctor promptly if you experience symptoms of high blood sugar (increased thirst/urination) or low blood sugar (sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, tingling hands/feet). Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise routine, or diet.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to side effects, especially dizziness and changes in urine volume (indicative of kidney problems).
- If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, inform your doctor, as becoming pregnant while using ramipril/hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended due to potential harm to the unborn baby. If pregnancy occurs, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
- This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Altace HCT is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Altace HCT tablet:
- 2.5 mg / 12.5 mg
- 5 / 25 mg
- ramipril and hydrochlorothiazide tablet:
- 2.5 / 12.5 mg
- 5 / 12.5 mg
- 10 / 12.5 mg
- 5 / 25 mg
FAQ
How fast does Altace HCT work?
Altace HCT starts to work within a few hours to reduce high blood pressure, but it may take a few weeks for full effect.
Is Altace HCT addictive?
There is no evidence that Altace HCT is addictive.
Resources
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ramipril/common-questions-about-ramipril/
- https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/medications/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=fdb0964#fdb0964-08
- https://www.rxhealthmed.ca/medication_search/ran-ramipril-hctz/
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/altace-hct#adverseeffects
- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/medications/ramiprilhydrochlorothiazide-oral
