Altace is a medication commonly prescribed for managing high blood pressure. Effectively keeping hypertension under control can significantly reduce the chances of heart attacks, kidney issues, and strokes. Additionally, Altace is used to enhance survival rates after a heart attack, making it a vital treatment for heart failure in individuals who have experienced a recent cardiac event.
Altace is also prescribed to high-risk patients, such as those with diabetes or heart disease, to help prevent heart attacks and strokes more effectively. As an ACE inhibitor, Altace functions by relaxing the blood vessels, which facilitates smoother blood flow.
## **Generic Name of Altace**
The generic name for Altace is Ramipril. As an ACE inhibitor, it helps relax the blood vessels to promote better blood flow. Ramipril is also recognized for its protective effects on the kidneys in diabetic patients.
## **Altace Dosage**
Altace comes in tablet forms with the following strengths:
- 2.5 mg
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
## **How to Take Altace Medication**
Take Altace orally, with or without food, as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
The typical starting dose is 2.5 mg once daily for one week, which may then be increased to 5 mg once daily for the following three weeks, before possibly reaching a maintenance dose of 10 mg once daily. For those being treated for hypertension or recent myocardial infarction, Altace may be taken in divided doses.
Altace starts to lower blood pressure within a few hours, although it may take several weeks to experience the full benefits. For heart failure treatment, improvement might not be noticeable for weeks or even months.
## **Potential Side Effects of Altace**
Some common side effects of Altace include:
- Headache
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Vertigo (Feeling of spinning)
- Malaise
- Nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
## **Alternatives to Altace**
Other ACE inhibitors similar to Altace include:
- Capoten (Captopril)
- Vasotec (Enalapril)
- Prinivil, Zestril (Lisinopril)
- Lotensin (Benazepril)
- Monopril (Fosinopril)
- Accupril (Quinapril)
- Aceon (Perindopril)
- Mavik (Trandolapril)
- Univasc (Moexipril)
## **Possible Interactions with Altace**
Diuretics (water pills), gold injections, lithium, potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, aspirin, and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can interact with Altace.
## **Are ACE Inhibitors Safe for Pregnant Women?**
Pregnant women should avoid taking ACE inhibitors like Altace, especially during the second and third trimesters. These medications can excessively lower blood pressure, potentially causing kidney failure and elevated potassium levels in the mother. In severe cases, ACE inhibitors can lead to severe physical deformities or death in the infant.