Where is Trandolapril used?
Trandolapril is an ACE inhibitor that is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. This helps relax blood vessels co blood can flow more easily. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent stroke, kidney problems, or heart attacks. Trandolapril may also be used to treat heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack. This is an FDA-approved medicine used for oral use.
How does Trandolapril work?
Trandolapril works by blocking the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) which is a compound in the body. Typically, it creates another compound called angiotensin II which is also a part of the natural control of blood pressure of the body. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to narrow and increases the pressure within the blood vessels. As this medicine blocks the action of ACE, it reduces the making of angiotensin II. It relaxes and widens the blood vessels which gives an overall effect of a drop in blood pressure.
How is Trandolapril taken?
Trandolapril is to be taken by mouth usually once or twice a day. Each dose may be taken with or without food or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment.
To decrease your risk of side effects, your doctor may instruct you to start this at a low dose and slowly increase it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not suddenly stop taking this without consulting your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Trandolapril?
- Diarrhea
- Light-headedness
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
- Headache
What are the precautions in using Trandolapril?
- If you feel dizzy during treatment this can be relieved by lying down until the symptoms pass. If affected, you should avoid performing possibly dangerous activities such as operating machinery or driving. If you often feel dizzy you should let your doctor know as your dose of this medicine may need to decrease.
- Drinking alcohol may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect of this medicine, which can increase dizziness and may increase the risk of fainting.
- Some people may experience dizziness caused by low blood pressure in the first few days of taking this medicine. For this reason, the first dose should rather be taken at bedtime. Your doctor may want you to take the first dose of this under medical supervision in the hospital if you have low blood pressure, aged over 70 years, low levels of fluids or salt in your blood, very high blood pressure, severe or unstable heart failure, or are taking high doses of diuretic medicines.
- Let your doctor know if you have any allergies. This drug may have a component that causes an allergic reaction.
- This is not recommended for use in people with a history of swelling, who suffer from hereditary angioedema, and with a rare hereditary problem of galactose intolerance.
- Use this carefully in people with decreased kidney or liver function, narrowing arteries that supply blood to the kidney, decreased fluid volume in the body, diabetes, or heart failure.
- Trandolapril is not recommended as well for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you get pregnant while having this medication, call your doctor right away.
