Altace

Common uses

This medicine is an ace inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat congestive heart disease and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Warning: this drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking clozapine, indomethacin, lithium, potassium, azathioprine, diuretics, or medicines used to treat diabetes. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including connective tissue diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of kidney artery narrowing, or if you have experienced an allergic reaction (angioedema) to other ace inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, the contents may be sprinkled on a small amount of applesauce or mixed with 4 ounces (120ml) of water or juice. It is best to eat or drink the entire mixture immediately after mixing. These mixtures may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Store the capsules at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine.

Do not use a salt substitute without checking with your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women: use of this medicine during pregnancy has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may occur during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; headache; dry cough; or dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience shortness of breath, hives, irregular or slow heartbeat, or chest pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual tiredness or weakness; bruising or bleeding more easily; swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

if overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness and eakness.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.