Altace, a drug which is actually a included in a group of drugs generally known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists, is suitable for the treatment of hypertension, heart failure due to clogged arteries and veins and kidney diseases in type two diabetics. Its main component is ramipril.
The main purpose of this medicine is to prevent the narrowing of blood vessels which results to lower blood pressure and improved blood flow throughout the body. This drug can be used alone or combined with other medicines for high blood pressure.
This is termed to be a pro drug which means that it has to be metabolized by the patient first and therefore be changed to become a working agent in treating the problem in the patient.
Adults and children aged 1 to 17 years old can freely use this medicine to lower blood pressure. Available in tablet form in 4mg, 8mg, 16mg and 32mg, the starting dosage in treating high blood pressure is 16mg per day, thereafter, regular doses must range from 8 to 32mg taken once or twice daily. It is safe to be consumed on a full or empty stomach.
This product is not recommended during pregnancy and the physician involved should be informed if a patient is pregnant before starting use of the medication. If a patient discovers they have conceived while on the treatment, they should stop using it and inform the doctor immediately. If used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, such drugs can seriously harm or even cause the death of a fetus and it is also contraindicated during breastfeeding. If patients have ever shown a reaction to medicines with sulfonamides in them, they should not use these drugs because the ingredient called hydrochlorothiazide in it is borrowed from that family of drugs.
While using this medication alcohol usage should be avoided because it can cause your blood pressure to lower even further and increase side effects. Do not use potassium substitutes while on this drug unless advised by your doctor, because this medication can increase a patient’s salt levels which in rare cases can cause a condition resulting in kidney failure. Signs of this condition can include muscle weakness and slow heartbeat.
When a patient has been put on Altace it can take anything from 2-6 weeks for their hypertension to stabilize, therefore regular blood pressure checks are important. It is advised that a patient continue using the medication even if they feel well because most of the time people with blood pressure problems don’t feel sick.
Evgeni Elisaveta is called the examiner and specialist when it comes to the medical industry. She actually is believing that Altace will be life-changing. All you need to learn about Altace in this informative article.