Cardace / Altace is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients at risk for these problems and to improve survival in patients with heart failure after a heart attack. Cardace / Altace is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Directions

Cardace / Altace comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take Cardace / Altace, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Cardace / Altace exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of Cardace / Altace and gradually increase your dose.

Cardace / Altace controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Continue to take Cardace / Altace even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Cardace / Altace without talking to your doctor.

Side Effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include

• cough
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• headache
• drowsiness
• tiredness
• weakness
• vomiting

If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience

• severe lightheadedness or fainting
• irregular heartbeat
• prolonged nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• a change in the amount of your urine
• joint pain
• unusual muscle pain, cramps, or weakness.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience

• swelling of hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, tongue, or trunk
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• hoarseness
• chest pain
• unusual stomach pain
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• darkening of your urine
• sore throat
• fever.

An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include

• rash
• itching
• swelling
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

What do I do if I forget to take Cardace / Altace

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Precautions

Before taking Cardace / Altace,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ramipril, benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin); diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease; lupus; scleroderma; diabetes; or angioedema, a condition that causes difficulty swallowing or breathing and painful swelling of the the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
• tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ramipril.
• you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

Overdosage Information

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.

Symptoms of overdose may include lightheadedness and fainting.