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Pronounced: AL-tayce |
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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. Since blood pressure declines
gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of
Altace; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well.
Altace does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under
control.
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 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... If you forget to take 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 2 doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions... Store Altace at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can
determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Altace.
People prescribed the drug after a heart attack may also experience
light-headedness when standing; more severe heart failure is also a
possibility.
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Altace,
or if you have a history of swelling of the face, tongue, or throat while
taking similar drugs such as Capoten, Vasotec, and Zestril, you should not
take this medication. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug
reactions that you have experienced.
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.
If Altace is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to
check with your doctor before combining Altace with the following: When used during the second and third trimesters, Altace can lead to
birth defects, prematurity, and death in developing and newborn babies. If
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and are taking Altace, Altace
should be discontinued as soon as possible. Contact your doctor
immediately. Altace may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing
infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may
advise you to avoid breastfeeding.
ADULTS
High blood pressure
For patients not on diuretics, the usual starting dose is 2.5
milligrams, taken once daily. After blood pressure is under control, the
dosage will range from 2.5 to 20 milligrams a day in a single dose or
divided into 2 equal doses. If Altace proves insufficient, the doctor may
then add a diuretic.
Heart attack and stroke prevention
Patients usually receive 2.5 milligrams once a day for the first week.
The dose is then increased to 5 milligrams once a day for the next 3
weeks, and to as much as 10 milligrams daily for the long term. The doctor
may recommend dividing each dose into two smaller ones if you have high
blood pressure or are recovering from a recent heart attack.
Heart failure after a heart attack
The usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams taken twice a day. If your
blood pressure drops severely, your doctor will reduce the dose to 1.25
milligrams, then slowly increase it back to the starting dose, aiming for
a maintenance dose of 5 milligrams twice a day. CHILDREN
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of low blood pressure are likely to be the primary warning of
an Altace overdose. |