What is the most important information I should know about Altace?

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy do not take Altace . Altace can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus when used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. If you think you might be pregnant notify your doctor immediately.

Altace may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking Altace, tell your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. If you develop any of these symptoms while taking Altace seek emergency medical attention.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery or performing other hazardous activities. Altace may cause dizziness or drowsiness.Avoid these activities if you experience dizziness or drowsiness and notify your doctor immediately. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with Altace. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related adverse effects.

What is Altace?

Altace is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).

Altace is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), to prevent heart failure following a heart attack, and to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in patients who are at an increased risk for these problems.

Altace may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take Altace?

Altace may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking Altace, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking Altace.

Before taking Altace, tell your doctor if you

have kidney disease;

have liver disease;

are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood; or

are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).

You may not be able to take Altace, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Altace is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Altace is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Altace can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Do not take Altace if you are pregnant.

Altace passes into breast milk and its effects on a nursing baby are not known. Do not take Altace without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Altace?

Take Altace exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Altace can be taken with or without food.

Do not stop taking Altace without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this medication, your condition could become worse.

Store Altace at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an Altace overdose include extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking Altace?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Altace may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Altace.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Altace except under the supervision of your doctor.

Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with Altace. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

What are the possible side effects of Altace?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Altace and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

difficulty breathing;

little or no urine;

irregular heartbeats or changes in your heartbeat;

chest pain;

severe dizziness or fainting; or

signs of an infection including a sore throat or a fever.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Altace and talk to your doctor if you experience

mild dizziness or lightheadedness;

headache;

unusual fatigue or weakness;

dry, tickling cough;

nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

anxiety or depression;

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs; or

a rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Altace?

Before taking Altace, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;

salt substitutes that contain potassium;

any of the diuretics (water pills) triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), spironolactone (Aldactone), or amiloride (Midamor);

any other diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, others), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), indapamide (Lozol), and others; or

lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others).

You may not be able to take Altace, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Altace or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.