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Patient Information for Generic Altace
Ramipril (ra-MI-pril)
Generic Altace treats high blood pressure. Generic Altace treats congestive heart failure after a heart attack. Generic Altace reduces risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in people 55 years of age or older who have heart disease. Generic Altace is an ACE angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor.
Brand Name(s): Altace There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When Generic Altace Should Not Be Used: You should not use Generic Altace if have had an allergic reaction to ramipril or to any other ACE inhibitor such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Lotrel®, or Zestril®. You should not use Generic Altace if you are pregnant or breast feeding. How to Use Generic Altace: Capsule: Your doctor will tell you how much Generic Altace to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more Generic Altace or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. After you receive your first dose of Generic Altace, your caregiver will observe you for at least 2 hours. This is to make sure you do not have any serious side effects from Generic Altace. Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using Generic Altace. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems. Swallow the capsule whole. If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into 4 ounces (½ cup) of applesauce, water, or apple juice. Swallow this mixture whole, and use the mixture within 24 hours after mixing it. If a dose is missed: If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra Generic Altace to make up for a missed dose.
Storage and Disposal of Generic Altace: Store Generic Altace in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Any Generic Altace that has been mixed with apple juice or applesauce may be stored in a refrigerator and used within 48 hours. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Drugs and Foods to Avoid: Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other blood pressure medicines such as atenolol, metoprolol, quinapril, lisinopril, or Accupril®. Tell your doctor if you are using a diuretic ("water pill") such as amiloride, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), torsemide, spironolactone, triamterene, Aldactone®, Demadex®, Lasix®, or Zaroxolyn®. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium without asking your doctor first. Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives. Make sure your doctor knows if are using pain medicine such as aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, Advil®, Ecotrin®, Motrin®, diclofenac, etodolac, Feldene®, or Relafen®. Tell your doctor if you are using lithium, or any diabetes medicine that you take by mouth.
Warnings While Using Generic Altace: Using Generic Altace while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using Generic Altace, tell your doctor right away. Make sure your doctor knows if you have lupus, liver disease, or kidney disease. Make sure your doctor knows if you are planning surgery, being treated for allergies, or if you are on dialysis. Generic Altace may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. Generic Altace lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Generic Altace. Be sure to keep all appointments. Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Generic Altace. You may need to stop using Generic Altace several days before having surgery or medical tests. Generic Altace may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Possible Side Effects While Using Generic Altace:Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects: Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing; blistering, peeling, red skin rash; chest pain, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting; confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or new numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips; dark-colored urine or pale stools; change in how much or how often you urinate; fever, chills, sore throat, or body aches; stomach pain, severe nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite; yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor: Anxiety, tremors, trouble sleeping, or nervousness; body and joint pains; cough; headache, tired feeling; dry mouth, excess salivation, or change in taste, mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; ringing in your ears or blurred vision; trouble having sex (men).
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
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