Has your doctor prescribed Trandolapril to control high blood pressure, protect your heart after a heart attack, or treat heart failure? If so, it's important to be well-informed about this medication. You may be confused about the name of this medication, but the way it works is very simple. Let's explain everything about it today, as if you were talking to a friend.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Trandolapril is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors . Think of the blood vessels in your body as pipes that carry water. When these pipes become narrow, the pump (your heart) has to work harder to pump the water. This is called high blood pressure.
Trandolapril works by relaxing and widening the narrowed blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more easily throughout the body without getting stuck. This reduces the amount of work your heart has to do to pump blood. This helps control your blood pressure and gives your heart a good rest. That's why this medicine is used for high blood pressure, after a heart attack, and in cases of heart failure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Okay, now before you start this medication, you need to discuss some things clearly with your doctor. Because if you have these conditions, the doctor will have to be especially careful when giving you Trandolapril.
- Are you pregnant? Or are you trying to get pregnant? - This is very important . You should avoid getting pregnant while taking Trandolapril. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting this medicine.
- Are you a breastfeeding mother? - Be sure to inform the doctor about that as well.
- Other medical conditions - Tell us if you have kidney or liver disease, other heart or blood vessel diseases, immune system diseases like lupus, or bone marrow diseases.
- Allergies - If you have ever had a swelling of the tongue, face, or lips, difficulty breathing, or swallowing (angioedema) after taking any medication, be sure to tell your doctor. Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to other medications, foods, or insect stings.
- Special diet - If you are on a special diet, such as a low salt diet, tell your doctor about that as well.
- Low blood pressure - If you usually have low blood pressure, you should also mention that.
Talking to the doctor without hiding this information is very important for your safety.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple.
- Take this pill exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time every day . Making this a habit will make it less likely that you will forget.
- This can be taken before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop . Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly, even if you feel better.
What if I overdose?
Imagine you have taken an overdose of medicine. If that happens , do not waste time and immediately go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What if I forget to take my medicine?
Forgetting to take a dose can happen to anyone. If this happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other things that may interact with Trandolapril
Not all medications you take are compatible with each other. Some medications can cause problems when taken with Trandolapril. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Be especially careful about these:
- Sacubitril; valsartan , a heart disease medication.
- Diuretics, also known as water pills , are medications that increase urination.
- Lithium ( a medication for mental illness).
- Other medications for high blood pressure.
- Painkillers from the NSAID group (e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac).
- Potassium supplements or salt substitutes.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: Go to the clinics at the scheduled times as prescribed by your doctor and check your condition. If you also measure your blood pressure at home, inform your doctor about those values.
- Be aware of dehydration: If you have severe diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating a lot, your body may become dehydrated. Taking this medicine at such a time can cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously. Therefore, consult your doctor in such cases.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medicine may make some people dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. If you are an elderly person, stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or when you get out of bed. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness, so it is wise to avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- Cough, cold: If you have a cough or cold, don't take over-the-counter medications. Some cough and cold medications contain ingredients that can increase your blood pressure. Ask your doctor before using anything.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Trandolapril can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some are serious, while others are mild. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require you to go to your doctor or hospital immediately | |
| Allergies or Angioedema | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet. Difficulty breathing or swallowing. This is an emergency. |
| Increased potassium levels in the blood | Muscle weakness, irregular or rapid heartbeat. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual tiredness. |
| Excessive decrease in blood pressure | Severe dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Cough | A dry, non-productive cough may occur. This is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors. Tell your doctor if it bothers you. |
| Dizziness | This can occur especially in the first few days after starting the medication. |
| Fatigue | You may feel general fatigue. |
| Headache | A slight headache may occur. |
Take-Home Message
- Take Trandolapril at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not stop taking it on your own, even if you feel better.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor before starting this medication.
- If you experience serious allergic symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing, go to a hospital immediately.
- Give your doctor a complete list of all other medications you are taking (including painkillers, vitamins, and traditional medicines).
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only by your doctor. Never share it with others.
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