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Altace
Pronounced: AL-tayce
Generic name: Ramipril
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.
ADULTS
As a precaution, your doctor may have you take the first dose of Altace in his office. To reduce the risk of a severe drop in blood pressure, the dosage of any diuretic you're taking should be reduced or, if possible, eliminated.
High blood pressure
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 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.
If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower than normal dose.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Altace in children have not been established. |
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