Brand name:
Cardace
Pronounced: Car-dayce
Generic name: Ramipril / CARDACE (Tritace, Altace )
Why is Cardace (Ramipril / Tritace / Altace)prescribed?
Cardace is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is effective
when used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications,
especially thiazide-type water pills (diuretics). Cardace works by preventing
the conversion of a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I into
a more potent substance that increases salt and water retention in your
body. It also enhances blood flow in your circulatory system. It is a
member of the group of drugs called ACE inhibitors.
Cardace is also prescribed to reduce the chances of heart attack, stroke,
and heart-related death in people 55 years or older who are in danger
of such an event. Typical candidates include those who suffer from coronary
artery disease, poor circulation, stroke, or diabetes and have at least
one other risk factor, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol
levels, low HDL ("good") cholesterol, or cigarette smoking.
If you do suffer a heart attack and develop heart failure, Cardace can
be prescribed to prevent the condition from getting worse.
Most important fact about Cardace
If you are taking Cardace for high blood pressure, you must take the
drug regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines
gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of
Cardace; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well.
Cardace does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take Cardace?
Take Cardace exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you have difficulty
swallowing the capsule, you can sprinkle the contents on a small amount
(about 4 ounces) of applesauce, or mix the contents with 4 ounces of
water or apple juice. Be sure to eat or drink the entire mixture so that
you get the full dose of the drug. You can prepare the mixture ahead
of time; it will keep for 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours in
the refrigerator.
If you miss a dose...
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it
is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back
to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions...
Store Cardace at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
Cardace side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Cardace.
* Side effects may include:
Chest pain, cough (in people with high blood pressure), dizziness, low blood
pressure (in people with congestive heart failure)
People prescribed the drug after a heart attack may also experience
light-headedness when standing; more severe heart failure is also a possibility.
Special warnings about Cardace
If you develop swelling of the face around your lips, tongue, or throat
or difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, swelling of arms and
legs, or infection, sore throat, and fever, you should contact your doctor
immediately. You may have a serious side effect of the drug and need
emergency treatment.
If you develop abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting, contact
your doctor. ACE inhibitors such as Cardace have been known to cause
intestinal swelling.If you are taking Cardace, your kidney function should
be given a complete
assessment and should continue to be monitored.
If you notice your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow, notify
your doctor. Your liver may be affected, and you may have to stop taking
Cardace. Your doctor should routinely test your liver function while you
are on Cardace.
Cardace should be used with caution if you have impaired kidney function,
since rare cases of kidney failure have been reported. Also use caution
if you have impaired liver function, or if you have a connective tissue
disease such as lupus erythematosis or scleroderma.If you are taking
diuretics and Cardace, or have congestive heart failure, you may develop
excessively low blood pressure.
Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements
without consulting your doctor. Cardace can cause increased potassium
levels in your blood, especially if you have diabetes and kidney problems.Light-headedness
can occur when taking Cardace, especially during the first days of therapy,
and should be reported to your doctor. If fainting
occurs, stop taking Cardace and notify your doctor immediately.
Dehydration, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could
deplete your body's fluids, causing your blood pressure to drop dangerously.
Cardace may reduce the number of infection-fighting white blood cells
in your bloodstream, especially if you have a kidney problem or a connective
tissue disorder such as lupus. Contact your doctor immediately if you
develop a sore throat or fever, which could be a sign of this condition.
ACE inhibitors such as Cardace have been known to cause severe allergic
reactions in people undergoing desensitization therapy with bee or wasp
venom. These drugs have also caused severe reactions in kidney dialysis
patients.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cardace
Why should Cardace not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Cardace,
or if you have a history of swelling of the face, tongue, or throat while
taking similar drugs such as Capoten, Vasotec, and Zestril, you should
not take Cardace. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions
that you have experienced.
If Cardace is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could
be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check
with your doctor before combining Cardace with the following:
Alcohol
Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (found in many blood pressure medicines)
Diuretics that don't wash out potassium, such as spironolactone (Aldactone)
and the diuretic component in Dyazide, Maxzide, Moduretic, and others
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin, Naprosyn, and Orudis
Oral diabetes drugs such as DiaBeta, Glucotrol, Micronase, and Orinase
Potassium supplements such as K-lyte and K-Tab
Potassium-containing salt substitutes
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
When used during the second and third trimesters, Cardace can lead to
birth defects, prematurity, and death in developing and newborn babies.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and are taking Cardace,
Cardace should be discontinued as soon as possible. Contact your doctor
immediately. Cardace may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing
infant. If Cardace is essential to your health, your doctor may advise
you to avoid breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Cardace
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of low blood pressure are likely to be the primary warning
of an Cardace overdose.
