INTRODUCTION
CARDACE 5MG contains ramipril which belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors). It works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels and it makes easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This helps to increase supply of the oxygen to your heart which may reduce the risk of further damage to your heart. It also improves blood flow through the small blood vessels found in the kidneys, which helps the kidneys to work more efficiently. This in turn which can help to slow down the progression of kidney damage that might result from having the diabetes or high blood pressure.
It is also used to reduce risk of cardiovascular problems and complications in patients aged 55 years or more with heart or blood vessel disease or diabetes. Tell your doctor, if you have a collagen vascular disease such as scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus. Take CARDACE 5MG by mouth at the same time of the day each day. Swallow the medicine with liquid.
USES OF CARDACE 5MG
- Treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Reduce risk of having a heart attack or stroke
- Reduce the risk or delay the worsening of kidney problem (whether or not you have diabetes)
HOW CARDACE 5MG WORKS
CARDACE 5MG works by widening the blood vessels, which reduce pressure in the vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around the body.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Always take CARDACE 5MG exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the medicine whole with plenty of water.
SIDE EFFECTS OF CARDACE 5MG
SERIOUS
- Swelling of face, lips or throat which make it difficult to swallow or breathe, as well as itching and rashes
- Severe skin reactions including rash, mouth ulcers, worsening of a pre-existing skin disease, reddening, blistering or detachment of skin (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis or erythema multiforme)
COMMON
- Dizziness, drowsiness, headache
- Headache or feeling tired
- Fainting, hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure)
- Dry cough
- Inflammation of sinuses (sinusitis) or bronchitis, shortness of breath
- Stomach pain, diarrhea, indigestion, feeling or being sick
- Chest pain
- Cramps or pain in your muscles
RARE
- Feeling shaky or confused
- Red and swollen tongue
- Severe flaking or peeling of the skin
- Nail problem (e.g. loosening or separation of nail from its bed)
- Skin rash or bruising
- Blotches on your skin and cold extremities
- Red, itchy, swollen or watery eyes
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Skin rash:
Avoid bathing with hot water because hot water can irritate the skin. Moisturizers can be used on regular basis to soothe and hydrate the affected area.
Headache:
Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee.
Diarrhea:
Drink lot of fluid to avoid dehydration. Avoid taking any other medicines for diarrhoea consulting your doctor.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
CARDACE 5MG is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
BREASTFEEDING
CARDACE 5MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machinery while taking this medicine, it may make you feel dizzy.
ALCOHOL
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with CARDACE 5MG.
KIDNEY
CARDACE 5MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.
LIVER
CARDACE 5MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.
ALLERGY
Do not take CARDACE 5MG if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to ramipril or any other ingredients in this medicine.
LUNGS
CARDACE 5MG should be taken with caution in patients with lung disease. Consult your doctor for advice.
HEART DISEASE
CARDACE 5MG should be used with caution in patients suffering from active heart diseases. Before taking, this medicine consult your doctor.
INTERACTIONS
Talk to your doctor if you are taking:
- Other medicines used to treat high blood pressure
- Lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and depression
- Potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes
- Medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of the inflammation
- Insulin and other medicines to treat diabetes
