Altace Side Effects

What is Altace?

Ramipril, also commonly known as Altace is a medication used to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure. It can also be used to prevent heart attacks and stokes in susceptible patients over 55. Altace is in a group of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors such as Altace generally are used to manage heart failure and increase chance of survival after heart attack or stroke. Altace works by relaxing the arterial muscles and blood vessels in order to help the heart pump blood easier, while increasing blood flow. It may be used alone, or along with other medications.

Potential for Abuse?

No information available.

Serious Altace side effects:

fainting
feeling light-headed
fever
chills
body aches
pale skin
chest pain
swelling
irregular heartbeat
muscle weakness
urinating more or less than usual

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects, or have an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Less serious Altace side effects:

cough
dizziness
drowsiness
headache
insomnia
impotence
nausea
vomiting
rash

This is not a complete list of Altace side effects. Consult your doctor for a full list.

Interesting Altace Tidbits

Here are some interesting facts about Altace:

Altace has a variable half life of 3-16 hours that can be prolonged by heart, liver, or kidney failure.
In 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals found that the patent on Altace was invalid, leading to many generic forms of the medication to be produced