Side Effects of Tritace

Tritace, which uses the active generic ingredient ramipril, an ACE blocker, to lower blood pressure, contains many precautions for use and numerous potential side effects although few patients experience them.

How Tritace Works

• Tritace blocks the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) that produces angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to narrow and constrict, increasing blood pressure. When Tritace allows these vessels to relax and widen, blood pressure falls.

Conditions Treated

• Tritace is used to treat people with mild to moderate blood pressure and those who have suffered heart attacks. It is also prescribed for the following:
  ? People who have had strokes.
  ? People who have problems with their hands and feet because of hardening of the arteries.
  ? Patients who suffer from diabetes.
  ? Patients with high total cholesterol levels, and those with low levels of HDL cholesterol.
  ? Those who have unstable angina.
  ? Those who have had coronary angioplasty.
  ? Those who have had surgery for coronary bypass.

Cautions

• Tritace should be used with caution for the following patients:
  ? The elderly.
  ? People with decreased liver function.
  ? Those who have cirrhosis of the liver.
  ? Those who have low levels of bodily fluids because of vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration or low salt diet.
  ? People using a machine to remove LDL fat from the blood.
  ? Those undergoing kidney dialysis.
  ? Those undergoing therapy to combat the effects of bee and wasp stings.
  ? Patients taking diuretic medicines.

Precautions With First Use:

• Tritace may cause low pressure and dizziness after the first dose and for a few days afterward. You should take the first dose at bedtime. You might be required to take Tritace under medical supervision for the following reasons:
  ? If you have low pressure or very high blood pressure.
  ? If you are more than 70 years old.
  ? If you have had severe or unstable heart failure.
  ? If you have kidney problems or are taking high doses of diuretics.
  ? If you are taking other medicines that dilate your blood vessels.

Further Warnings:

• If a dose of Tritace makes you feel dizzy, you should lie down until the dizziness passes. You should exercise these additional precautions:
  ? Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy.
  ? If you feel dizzy often, you should tell your doctor; you may need a lower dose.
  ? Drinking alcohol when taking Tritace can further lower your blood pressure, leading to increased dizziness and risk of fainting.
  ? An allergic reaction called angioedema can result from using an ACE inhibitor. This is a special risk for African American patients. If you have a hard time breathing or your face, throat, lips, tongue, feet, ankles or hands swell, see a doctor immediately.
  ? You should have your blood pressure, potassium in your blood, and kidney functions should be checked regularly while you are taking Tritace.

Possible Side Effects

• Although there are many possible side effects from taking Tritace, patients using the drug do not often experience them. At the start of treatment, you can experience slight skin rashes, coughing, vomiting and problems sleeping. These symptoms ordinarily pass quickly. If they linger or worsen, see your doctor. If you experience sudden weight gain, fainting spells, chest pain, and fever-like symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
  The possible side effects include:
  ? Dry mouth
  ? Flushing
  ? Heat palpitation
  ? Abnormal heart beat
  ? Alterations in taste
  ? Chest pains
  ? Anxiety and restlessness
  ? Low blood pressure
  ? Lightheadedness
  ? Constipation
  ? Diarrhea
  ? Nausea
  ? Vomiting
  ? Abdominal pain
  ? Dizziness
  ? Headache
  ? Rashes and itches
  ? Weakness
  ? Confusion
  ? Dry cough
  ? Impotence
  ? Disorders of the liver, blood or kidney
  ? Severe swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat