Altace and Dry Eyes

Clinical trials have shown that Altace and dry eyes do not appear to be related. These clinical trials extensively studied the side effects of Altace in thousands of people worldwide. Dry eyes were not reported as a either a common or rare side effect of the drug.

An Overview of Altace and Dry Eyes

There are several possible side effects for people taking Altace® (ramipril). Dry eyes, however, do not appear to be one of them. Data to support this comes from clinical trials that extensively studied Altace and documented its side effects. In thousands of people studied worldwide, dry eyes were not reported as either a common or rare side effect. However, dry eyes have been reported with other ACE inhibitors.
 

Suggestions for Dry Eye Relief

Although Altace does not cause dry eyes, they are a very common condition.
 Below are some suggestions that may provide relief from dry eyes:
 
  • Don't use artificial tears that irritate your eyes. Try another brand or preparation.
     
  • Non-preserved eye drops may be more comfortable.
     
  • Blink several times a minute while reading or working on the computer.
     
  • Protect your eyes from drafts, breezes, and wind.
     
  • Put a humidifier in the rooms where you spend the most time, including the bedroom, or install a humidifier in your heating and air conditioning unit.
     
  • Don't smoke, and stay out of smoky rooms.
     
  • Apply mascara only to the tips of your lashes so it doesn't get in your eyes. If you use eyeliner or eye shadow, put it only on the skin above your lashes, not on the sensitive skin under your lashes or close to your eyes.
     
  • Ask your doctor whether any of your other medications contribute to dryness, and if so, how to reduce that effect. Some medications that can cause dry eyes include:
o Antihistamines
o Decongestants
o Diuretics
o Some diarrhea medicines
o Some antipsychotic drugs
o Tranquilizers
o Some blood pressure medications (including other types of ACE inhibitors)

Add
Email
Print
(Altace and Dry Eyes Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles