Altace (ramipril) is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Altace is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or congestive heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack. Altace may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

The health and medical information provided here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of this medicine is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.

Do not use Altace if you are pregnant. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Altace. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Altace, unless your doctor has told you to.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Altace, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Altace. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Altace even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Altace: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
feeling like you might pass out;
dry mouth, thirst, confusion, swelling, and urinating less than usual or not at all;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
easy bruising or bleeding;
pale skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness.
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
chest pain.
Less serious Altace side effects may include:
cough;
tired feeling, headache;
dizziness, spinning sensation; or
nausea, vomiting.

Take Altace exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Altace can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole.
You may open the Altace capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a half-cup (4 ounces) of water, apple juice, or applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow without chewing. You may store the mixture for up to 24 hours at room temperature, or up to 48 hours in a refrigerator.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Altace, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.
To be sure Altace is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Altace. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Altace even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store Altace at room temperature away from moisture and heat.