Altace (generic name: ramipril; brand names include: Cardace / Tritace / Ramace / Lopace) is a type of medicine called an ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors help to reduce blood pressure by decreasing production of a protein in the human body that can cause the blood vessels to constrict.

Altace is indicated for the treatment of:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Congestive heart failure

Altace is also used to improve survival in patients with heart failure after a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

Altace is the only ACE inhibitor proven to reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke in people aged 55 or older who have any combination of the following serious cardiovascular (heart-related) risk factors:

Diabetes plus one other risk factor (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a habit of cigarette smoking)
Coronary artery disease
Previous heart attack
Previous stroke
Peripheral vascular disease

In the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) study, Altace reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease for people aged 55 and older who had normal blood pressure or whose high blood pressure was already being treated. Altace reduced the relative risk of heart attack by 20%; death from cardiovascular problems by 26%; and stroke by 32%.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Altace exactly as directed.

Unless otherwise instructed, take 1 Altace capsule per day at the same time every day. You can take Altace with or without food.

Take the Altace capsule whole. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, the contents may be sprinkled on a small amount of applesauce or mixed with 4 ounces (120ml) of water or juice. It is best to eat or drink the entire mixture immediately after mixing.

Altace can be safely taken with many other medications. It can be used in addition to many other needed treatments, such as aspirin, cholesterol-lowering agents, and other blood pressure medications.

Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Do not stop taking Altace without talking to your doctor.

If you miss a dose of Altace, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store your tablets at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.

Precautions

Before taking Altace, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have kidney or liver disease;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: ramipril.