TRANDOLAPRIL – ORAL (tran-DOLE-uh-prill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mavik
WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician.
USES: Trandolapril prevents certain enzymes in the body from narrowing blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure and makes the heart beat stronger. This medication is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure or to help diabetics prevent kidney problems.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: This medication may be taken with or without meals. Take it exactly as prescribed and try to take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, fatigue or dry cough may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Unlikely but report promptly if you develop: chest pain, tingling of the hands or feet, fever, persistent sore throat, dizziness, yellowing of the eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this drug tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: a history of angioedema, high blood levels of potassium, kidney disease or kidney dialysis, salt restrictive diet, liver disease, heart problems, allergies. Consult your doctor before using salt substitutes or low salt milk. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Limit your intake of alcohol and use caution when exercising or during hot weather as these can aggravate dizziness and lightheadedness. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last six months of the pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is known to be excreted into breast milk and should not be used by nursing women. Consult your doctor. Caution is advised when this medication is used in the elderly. Caution is advised when this medication is used in children.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take: lithium, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing water pills or other water pills (diuretics), high blood pressure drugs, NSAID (aspirin-like drugs). Avoid ‘stimulant’ drugs that may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness and weakness.
NOTES: It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor. Lab tests may be performed periodically.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not ‘double-up’ the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
