Altace (Ramipril) medicine is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It may also be used along with the combination of thiazide diuretics. Altace medicine is for oral administration available as hard shell capsules available in different strength; 1.25mg, 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg. Active ingredient of Altace drug is Ramipril. Altace is an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitor or ACE inhibitor. ACE is a chemical compound that creates angiotensin II, a protein which narrows the blood vessels and raises the blood pressure. Altace lowers the blood pressure by restricting the production of ACE in the body and thereby relaxing arterial muscles, enlarging the arteries; allowing the heart to pump more blood easily through enlarged arteries. Altace medicine is also administered to the elderly patients for reducing the risk of myocardial infarction commonly known as heart attack; stroke; and death from cardiovascular causes. It is also treated for heart failure post myocardial infarction. Altace is also used to prevent kidney failure due to diabetes and hypertension.

The recommended dose for the treatment of hypertensive patients; those who are not taking diuretic is 2.5mg of Altace (Ramipril) once daily. Usual maintenance dosage range is between 2.5mg to 20mg daily. Dosage should be adjusted according to the response of the blood pressure. If blood pressure cannot be controlled by Altace alone, diuretic can be added.
The initial recommended dose for the treatment of reducing the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and death from cardiovascular causes should be 2.5mg of Altace once daily for a week and 5mg once daily for next 3 weeks and as a maintenance dose it can be increased to 10mg daily.
The initial recommended dose for heart failure post myocardial infarction, is 2.5mg of Altace, twice daily. If the patient becomes hypotensive, adjust the dose to 1.25mg twice daily. If tolerated, the dosage should be increased to 5mg of Altace twice daily.
The recommended initial dose for patients with heart failure and kidney failure is 1.25mg of Altace once daily and can be increased to 1.25mg twice daily to a maximum of 2.5mg twice daily.
The recommended initial dose for patients with hypertension and kidney damage is 1.25mg of Altace once daily and can be increased to a maximum total daily dosage of 5mg.

Side effects recorded in the treatment of heart failure post myocardial infarction were nausea, vertigo, vomiting, fainting, diarrhea, abnormal kidney function and hypotension.
The most common side effects recorded are light-headedness, dry cough, dizziness, fatigue and decreased sex drive for the treatment of hypertension.
Increase in blood sugar level, serum bilirubin and uric acid; decrease in hemoglobin has occurred to the patients receiving Altace (Ramipril) medicine.
Other side effects indicated in the treatment of Altace medicine are hemolytic anemia, palpitations, kidney failure, hepatitis, liver failure, jaundice, dry mouth, abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, photosensitivity, amnesia, anxiety, depression, tinnitus, hearing loss, insomnia, nervousness, vision disturbance, arthritis, edema, weight gain and increased sweating.

When Altace (Ramipril) and diuretics are combined, excessive reduction of blood pressure may occur.
When Altace and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are taken together, increase in serum potassium and renal failure may occur.
When Altace medicine is taken with potassium-sparing diuretics and potassium supplements; risk of hyperkalemia increases.
Patients taking injectable gold and Altace can suffer from nitritoid reactions.
When Altace is administered with lithium; risk of lithium toxicity increases.
Benefits of Altace are observed among patients who are taking aspirin or other anti-platelet agents, beta-blockers and lipid-lowering agents as well as diuretics and calcium channel blockers.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

lightheadedness
fainting

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to ramipril.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Altace (Ramipril) is used for the treatment of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
If a patient suffers a heart attack and develop heart failure, Altace can be prescribed to prevent the condition from getting worse.
Altace is used to reduce the chances of heart attack, stroke and heart-related death among aged patients, above 55 years of age and who are in danger of such conditions.

Altace (Ramipril) should be stored at a room temperature between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F), away from heat and moisture.

Do not administer Altace, when baby is breast feeded.
Altace (Ramipril) should not be continued during pregnancy. Altace can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus.
Patients with severe congestive heart failure whose kidney function may depend on the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, treatment with Altace, may be associated with oliguria and or progressive azotemia and rarely with acute kidney failure or even death.