Altace

Altace is a drug that is licensed to treat several conditions, including high blood pressure, heart failure after a heart attack, and problems caused by cardiovascular issues. Belonging to a class of medications known as ACE inhibitors, the medication causes blood vessels to relax, which lowers blood pressure. Altace has been proven to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death in high-risk patients over age 55.

 

What Is Altace?

Altace® (ramipril) is a medication that is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. It is mainly used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
 

Who Makes It?

Altace is manufactured by King Pharmaceuticals.
 

What Is Altace Used For?

This medication is licensed to treat a number of conditions. These Altace uses include:
 
 
Altace is not a cure for high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or heart disease. This drug has not been approved for use in children.
 

How Does the Medication Work?

Altace is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors; ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict).
 By blocking this enzyme, Altace causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 
As a result, Altace also increases the efficiency of the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard and more blood can be pumped out to the rest of the body. Both of these are helpful for a person with congestive heart failure.
 

What Are the Effects of Altace?

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies of people taking Altace, systolic blood pressure decreased, on average, by 6 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 4 mmHg. Certain factors, such as ethnicity and dose, affected how much the blood pressure dropped.
 
For people with congestive heart failure, the effects of Altace on the heart and blood vessels cause a decrease in the symptoms of congestive heart failure, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling, along with improved exercise tolerance.
 
Because Altace lowers blood pressure, it can reduce the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). For those with congestive heart failure, relaxing the blood vessels makes it easier for the heart to pump.
 
This medication has also been proven to reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death in high-risk people over age 55. High-risk people are defined as those with a history of coronary artery disease, stroke, other types of blood vessel diseases, or diabetes.
 

When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Altace include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in capsule form. It is generally taken once or twice a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions.
 
  • You can take Altace with or without food.
 
  • Altace should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
 
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Altace will not work if you stop taking it.
 

Dosage Information

The dose of Altace your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Altace Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Altace

As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Altace. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. If people do develop side effects, in most cases, they are minor and require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Altace Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 
 

Drug Interactions

Altace can potentially interact with a number of medications (see Altace Drug Interactions for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Doctor Before Taking Altace?

Talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Altace and Pregnancy)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Are on dialysis
  • Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Altace Precautions and Warnings for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Altace may have overdose symptoms that could include an extremely low blood pressure. If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Altace Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods for Altace

Altace should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, in an airtight container. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Altace as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose!
 

Available Strengths

Altace comes in a number of strengths. These include:
 
  • Altace 1.25 mg
  • Altace 2.5 mg
  • Altace 5 mg
  • Altace 10 mg.
 

Generic Altace

Altace is currently available in generic form (see Generic for Altace for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;