Drug Information
What is Altace used for?
This medicine 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. This medicine 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.
When should Altace not be taken?
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine you have a history of hives or skin inflammation, or swelling of the face, hands, feet, lips, tongue, or throat with previous treatment with this medicine or similar medications or from unknown causes you are more than 3 months pregnant
What precautions should I follow when taking Altace?
Before using this medicine, 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). This medicine may lower the state of alertness particularly at the start of treatment.
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Altace?
Do not use this medicine after the third month of pregnancy. When this medicine and similar medications are used after the third month of pregnancy, this medicine and similar medications can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Stop taking this medicine as soon as possible after pregnancy is detected. Use of this medicine 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.
What are the side effects of Altace?
Most severe: Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat); yellowing of the skin or eyes, hypotension, fainting.
Most common: Dizziness; headache; tiredness; weakness; nausea; vomiting; increased cough; chest pain; dizziness or lightheadedness when rising from a sitting or lying position; fainting; feeling of a whirling motion; decreased urine; diarrhea, impotence.
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 should I take Altace?
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 the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. This medicine can be taken without regard to meals or food. Although this medicine 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 this medicine and talk with your health care provider at once. Dizziness and lightheadedness can occur, especially during the first few days of taking this medicine or when you are increasing the amount you have taking. If this occurs, tell your doctor. If fainting occurs, stop taking this medicine 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 this medicine. These conditions can cause fainting and lightheadedness as well. Before starting this medicine, if you are also taking water pills, your doctor may have you stop taking the water pill 3 days before beginning this medicine. If your blood pressure cannot be controlled by this medicine 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 this medicine even though you may not feel quite "normal". Contact your doctor or pharmacist about any new symptoms. Lab tests may be required while taking this medicine. 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 this medicine. 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.
How should Altace be stored?
Store capsules between 59 to 86 degrees F. Keep bottle tightly closed.
General Information:
If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
