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Altace |
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What is Altace and why is it prescribed? Altace is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is effective when used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications, especially thiazide-type water pills (diuretics). Altace works by preventing the conversion of a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I into a more potent substance that increases salt and water retention in your body. It also enhances blood flow in your circulatory system. It is a member of the group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. Altace is also prescribed to reduce the chances of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in people 55 years or older who are in danger of such an event. Typical candidates include those who suffer from coronary artery disease, poor circulation, stroke, or diabetes and have at least one other risk factor, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, low HDL ("good") cholesterol, or cigarette smoking. If you do suffer a heart attack and develop heart failure, Altace can be prescribed to prevent the condition from getting worse. If you are taking Altace for high blood pressure, you must take the drug regularly for it to be effective. Altace does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Altace? Follow your doctors directions for taking Altace. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you can sprinkle the contents on a small amount (about 4 ounces) of applesauce, or mix the contents with 4 ounces of water or apple juice. Be sure to eat or drink the entire mixture so that you get the full dose of the drug. You can prepare the mixture ahead of time; it will keep for 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours in the refrigerator. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Altace at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Are there any Altace side effects? Altace side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Altace side effects may include cough (in people with high blood pressure); cough, dizziness, low blood pressure (in people with congestive heart failure). Less common or rare Altace side effects may include abdominal pain, anemia, angina pectoris (chest pain), anxiety, arthritis, bruises, change in taste, constipation, convulsions, depression, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue, feeling of general discomfort, fever, fluid retention, hearing loss, impotence, inability to sleep, increased salivation, indigestion, inflammation of the stomach and intestines, itching, joint pain or inflammation, labored breathing, light-headedness, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, memory loss, muscle pain, nausea, nerve pain, nervousness, nosebleed, rash, ringing in ears, skin reddening, skin sensitivity to light, sleepiness, sudden loss of strength, sweating, tingling or pins and needles, tremors, vertigo, very rapid heartbeat, vision changes, vomiting, weakness, and weight gain. People prescribed the drug after a heart attack may also experience light-headedness when standing; more severe heart failure is also a possibility. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Altace? If Altace is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Altace with Alcohol, Diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide), Diuretics that don't wash out potassium (such as spironolactone/Aldactone and the diuretic component in Dyazide, Maxzide, Moduretic, and others), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Motrin, Naprosyn, and Orudis), Potassium supplements (such as K-lyte and K-Tab), or Potassium-containing salt substitutes. Are there any special warnings about Altace? If you develop swelling of the face around your lips, tongue, or throat or difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, swelling of arms and legs, or infection, sore throat, and fever, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may have a serious side effect of the drug and need emergency treatment. If you are taking Altace, your kidney function should be given a complete assessment and should continue to be monitored. If you notice your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow, notify your doctor. Your liver may be affected, and you may have to stop taking Altace. Your doctor should routinely test your liver function while you are on this drug. Altace should be used with caution if you have impaired liver or kidney function, or a disease of the connective tissue such as lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. If you are taking diuretics and Altace, or have congestive heart failure, you may develop excessively low blood pressure. Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements without consulting your doctor. Altace can cause increased potassium levels in your blood, especially if you have diabetes and kidney problems. Light-headedness can occur when taking Altace, especially during the first days of therapy, and should be reported to your doctor. If fainting occurs, stop taking the medication and notify your doctor immediately. Dehydration, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could deplete your body's fluids, causing your blood pressure to drop dangerously. Altace may reduce the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in your bloodstream, especially if you have a kidney problem or a connective tissue disorder such as lupus. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a sore throat or fever, which could be a sign of this condition. ACE inhibitors such as Altace have been known to cause severe allergic reactions in people undergoing desensitization therapy with bee or wasp venom. These drugs have also caused severe reactions in kidney dialysis patients. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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