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Information about Generic Altace
Generic Altace is used for treating high blood pressure and decreasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in certain patients. It may also be used to treat congestive heart disease following a heart attack or for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Generic Altace is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by causing blood vessels to relax so that blood flows more freely and at a lower pressure. Generic Altace also increases the heart's ability to pump blood in some types of heart failure.
How to use Generic Altace:
Use Generic Altace as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Generic Altace by mouth with or without food.
- If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, it can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a small amount (about 4 oz) of applesauce or mixed in half a glass (4 oz/120 mL) of water or apple juice. It is best to eat or drink the entire mixture immediately after mixing. These mixtures may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
- If you miss a dose of Generic Altace, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for you next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you may have about how to use Generic Altace.
Do not use Generic Altace if:
- you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy
- you have a history of kidney artery narrowing
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Generic Altace or similar medicines (ACE inhibitors), or if you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) caused by an ACE inhibitor
Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.
Before taking Generic Altace:
Some medical conditions may interact with Generic Altace. Tell your pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are breast-feeding, planning to become pregnant, or are pregnant
- if you are taking any herbal preparation, dietary supplement, prescription or nonprescription medicines
- if you have allergies to medicines, or foods
- if you have heart or blood vessel problems, liver problems, or kidney problems (eg, kidney artery narrowing, dialysis, kidney transplant)
- if you have high blood potassium levels or low blood sodium levels, or are on a low sodium diet
- if you have a severe autoimmune disease, lupus, scleroderma (a skin disease), or bone marrow depression
- if you will be having surgery
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Generic Altace. Tell your pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines. Ask your pharmacist if Generic Altace may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information:
- Generic Altace may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Generic Altace with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- A persistent, dry cough may occur. Tell your doctor if this occurs. Recovery is rapid when the medicine is stopped.
- Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may lead to a fall in blood pressure. Contact your pharmacist at once if any of these occur.
- Generic Altace may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
- Report any lightheadedness, especially during the first few days of taking Generic Altace, to your doctor. If you experience fainting, you should talk with your doctor.
- Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
- Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
- Generic Altace may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Generic Altace. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- LAB TESTS, including blood tests, may be performed while you use Generic Altace. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Generic Altace should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING: Do not take Generic Altace after the third month of pregnancy. It may cause injury or death to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Generic Altace is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Generic Altace.
Possible side effects of Generic Altace:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
- Diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing; feeling of a whirling motion; headache; nausea; persistent dry cough; tiredness; vomiting; weakness.
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