Hi Bl,
you don't say which ACE you are on. The dosage varies with type. For instance: I am on Ramipril. The starting dose is 1.25mg. The daily maintenance dose is 2.5-10mg. Lower if taken concomitantly with a thiazide diuretic. I am on 20mg, which I believe is the maximum possible dose. In contrast, the starting dose of
Monopril is 10mg, Captopril 25mg. For this reason it is difficult to answer your question. There are some differences between the ACE Inhibitors within the same class of drugs.
Ramipril has the most favorable research data of all to date.
Ramipril in combination with a thiazide diuretic has been shown to decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes and to prevent recurrence of both. It will help control blood glucose and benefit patients with certain kidney diseases by reducing the protein leakage. It lowers blood pressure, as well as blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides. The resulting changes are not always positive. Complete blood count may be affected by a decrease in red and white blood cells, hemoglobin and platelets, and an increase in esinophils. There might be an increase in blood urea nitrogen, uric acid level, blood potassium, liver enzymes, and a decrease in blood sodium. There have been some reports that Captopril caused bone marrow depression in some patients, mostly in those with renal issues. The data is insufficient to claim that the others may have similar effects on the bone marrow.
Because you are just starting this medication, please watch for any sign of an infection or water retension. Either of those must be reported to your doctor without delay.
If you are on daily aspirin, it will blunt the effects of this medication, because aspirin inhibits prostaglandins. (which dilate the vessels). It also decreases the therapeutic benefit of diuretics. One thing you must watch carefully is your potassium levels. There's a risk of hyperkalemia. Do not take any potassium supplements, salt substitutes or potassium sparing diuretics along with the ACE inhibitors. (Unless your doctor directs you to - I do.) Potassium levels should be tested monthly for the first nine months of therapy. Make sure to increase your liquid intake to prevent excessive falls in blood pressure. With inadequate hydration there's a risk of symptomatic hypotension which can result in fainting.
Some people (including myself) experience an occassional excessive reduction in blood pressure. This happens especially if the ACE inhibitors are taken with diuretics and when people are on sodium restrictive diets.
As far as medications go, this one generally does not cause any major adverse reactions. Aside from the cough, I haven't had any negative experiences with this medication. The chances are you won't either. Good luck!
The following tests should be done on regular basis: complete blood count, urine analysis, urine protein, potassium and liver enzymes.
flowergirl
Linear Mode
