Generic Altace

[Charles]

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.

This medication is licensed to treat a number of conditions. These Altace (Ramipril) uses include:

* Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)

* Reducing the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death from cardiovascular (heart or blood vessel) causes

* Treating congestive heart failure after a heart attack.

Altace (Ramipril) has not been approved for use in children.

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.

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 (Ramipril) lowers blood pressure, it can reduce the risks that occur with long-term 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.

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

Altace comes in a number of strengths. These include:

Altace 1.25 mg
Altace 2.5 mg
Altace 5 mg
Altace 10 mg

Altace (Ramipril) 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.

[Jeff]

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