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What are the Common Side Effects of Altace®?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Altace® is a prescription medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure. This medication may be used alone, or it may be combined with other medications. Common side effects of Altace® include headache, cough, and dizziness. These side effects are typically mild, and most patients do not need to change medications. More serious side effects of Altace® that should be reported to a doctor right away may include anxiety, depression, or signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling around the lips or face that is accompanied by hives or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Whether Altace® is taken to treat heart disease or high blood pressure, some of the potential side effects are similar. At the same time, some of these side effects are more common depending upon the way the medication is used. In either case, all medical concerns should be addressed with a doctor.

Headaches are a common side effect of Altace®.
Headaches are a common side effect of Altace®.

Side effects of Altace® when used to treat high blood pressure may include headache, dizziness, or fatigue. Some patients have also reported muscle weakness and a persistent cough. These symptoms are typically mild and are handled well by most patients. Some men may develop problems with erectile dysfunction while taking this medication. For those who do experience this particular symptom, it is often troubling enough to ask the doctor to prescribe a different type of medication.

Nausea and vomiting are potential side effects of Altace®.
Nausea and vomiting are potential side effects of Altace®.

Some potential side effects of Altace® when it is used to treat heart failure may include low blood pressure, dizziness, or cough. Some patients may also experience mild to moderate chest pain. Fainting spells have been reported by a small percentage of patients. Nausea and vomiting are other potential side effects of Altace®. These side effects may be mild or may be severe enough that the patient will need to be changed to a different type of medication.

When used to treat heart failure or high blood pressure, Altace® can cause coughing.
When used to treat heart failure or high blood pressure, Altace® can cause coughing.

Regardless of the reasons for taking this medication, there are some potential side effects of Altace® that should be reported to a doctor right away. A high fever, stomach pain, or decreased urine output should be reported immediately. Possible signs of an allergic reaction, such as unexplained swelling, particularly in the face or mouth area, should be considered a medical emergency. Emergency assistance should also be obtained if there is any trouble breathing or swallowing, as these symptoms could be fatal if not treated immediately. Any new or bothersome symptoms should always be reported to a doctor.

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    • Headaches are a common side effect of Altace®.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Headaches are a common side effect of Altace®.
    • Nausea and vomiting are potential side effects of Altace®.
      By: carla9
      Nausea and vomiting are potential side effects of Altace®.
    • When used to treat heart failure or high blood pressure, Altace® can cause coughing.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      When used to treat heart failure or high blood pressure, Altace® can cause coughing.
    • Altace® may be used to treat high blood pressure.
      By: niyazz
      Altace® may be used to treat high blood pressure.