Trandolapril (Oral Route)

Trandolapril is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Trandolapril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten. As a result, trandolapril relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Trandolapril is used to treat heart failure. It is also used in some patients after a heart attack. After a heart attack, some of the heart muscle is damaged and weakened. The heart muscle may continue to weaken as time goes by. This makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. Trandolapril may be started within the first few days after a heart attack to increase survival rate.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Capsule
• Tablet

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or legs) with other ACE inhibitors, history of—May increase risk of this condition occurring again.

• Collagen vascular disease (an autoimmune disease) together with kidney disease—Increased risk of blood problems.

• Diabetes or
• Kidney problems—Increased risk of potassium levels in the body becoming too high.

• Diabetes patients who are also taking aliskiren (Tekturna®) or
• Hereditary or idiopathic angioedema or
• Patients who have kidney problems and are also taking aliskiren (Tekturna®)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

• Electrolyte imbalance (eg, high or low potassium or sodium in the body) or
• Fluid imbalance (caused by dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea) or
• Heart or blood vessel problems (eg, aortic stenosis) or
• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.