Tritace

What is it?

An antihypertensive preparation and ACE inhibitor available as oblong tablets in 4 different strengths, all containing ramipril. White contain 1.25mg, marked with strength, HMN and logo; yellow, scored, contain 2.5mg marked with strength, HMR and logo; red, scored, contain 5mg marked with strength, HMP and logo; white, scored, contain 10mg, marked with HMO/HMO.

Medical Uses

Congestive heart failure (with diuretics and possibly digitalis); after heart attack in patients with heart failure, to prevent progression of disease. In patients with disease of the heart circulation, diabetes or at risk of heart and circulatory disease who are over 55 years old, to reduce risk of heart attack, stroke or revascularisation or other cardiovascular event. Mild to moderate high blood pressure.

Dosage

Adults, heart failure, reduction of heart attack, stroke etc. , start with 1.25mg each day, then gradually double dose every 1 to 2 weeks according to need, to a daily maximum of 10mg. Reduce dosage of any diuretic being taken 2 to 3 days before starting treatment which should begin under expert and close supervision. Following heart attack, start with 2.5mg twice each day during first 3 to 10 days after attack. Then, 5mg twice each day for 48 hours. If first dose is not tolerated well it should be reduced to 1.25mg twice each day for 2 days, then 2.5mg and 5mg, as before. Treatment should begin in hospital under close, expert supervision. High blood pressure, 1.25mg once each day to start, gradually increasing to maintenance dose of 2.5 to 5mg once each day. Any diuretic being taken should be stopped 2 to 3 days before beginning treatment with Tritace.

Special Care

Impaired liver function, blood changes, congestive heart failure, kidney dialysis - Tritace should not be given to those being dialysed with high-flux membranes, poor kidney function (reduce dose and monitor during treatment).

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, narrowing of the aorta, past angioneurotic oedema (widespread swelling of soft tissues due to fluid collection), outflow obstruction.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

NSAIDs, lithium, antidiabetic agents, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, antihypertensives.

Known Side Effects

Headache, fatigue, nausea, impaired kidney function, vomiting, dizziness, pains in abdomen, cough, diarrhoea, hypersensitivity reactions. In rare cases, fainting, angioneurotic oedema, low blood pressure causing symptoms.