Angiotensin (AN-jee-oh-ten-sin)-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors treat high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, and kidney disease.
Brand Names:
Altace, Zestril, Mavik, Prinivil, Capoten
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or have had an allergic reaction to any ACE inhibitor, such as Capoten®, Monopril®, Vasotec®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Accupril®, Zestril®, or Prinivil®.
Uses:
Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Capsule, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Use this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered. Even if you feel fine your blood pressure can still be high.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
Take your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
Storage:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines: potassium-containing medicines such as K-Lyte® or K-Tab®, or diuretics ("water pills") such as Aldactone®, Dyrenium®, or Midamor®.
Tell your doctor if you use salt substitutes.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or lupus.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
ACE inhibitors keep the body from losing potassium. Sometimes the amount of potassium in your blood can get too high (hyperkalemia), which can be dangerous.
If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
Extreme weakness
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Hoarseness
Irregular heartbeat
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
Skin rash, severe itching or hives
Swelling of face, mouth, hands or feet
Trouble breathing or swallowing
Yellowing of skin or eyes
Cough (dry and continuing)
Headache
Dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, or tiredness
