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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Cilazapril

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Cilazapril

  • Take these tablets at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • Commonly experienced side-effects include light-headedness and a dry cough.

About cilazapril

Type of medicineACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor
Used forHypertension (high blood pressure)
Heart failure (where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently)
Also calledVascace®
Available asTablets

Cilazapril works by causing blood vessels to relax. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Before taking cilazapril

Before taking cilazapril make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney or liver disease.
  • If you suffer from ascites (a build up of fluid in the abdomen).
  • If you suffer from a collagen vascular disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or scleroderma.
  • If you are on a salt restricted diet or use salt substitutes which contain potassium.
  • If you have cardiomyopathy (cardiac muscle disease), poor circulation, or aortic stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessel from the heart).
  • If you have atherosclerosis (the build up of fatty deposits on the walls of arteries).
  • If you are having dialysis, LDL apheresis (the removal of cholesterol from the blood by a machine) or desensitisation treatment for bee and wasp stings.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take cilazapril

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take cilazapril at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. It is best if you take them in the morning with a drink of water.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses on the same day to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Treatment with cilazapril is usually life-long.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with cilazapril.

Can cilazapril cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Light-headedness or dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying position especially the first time you take itGetting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing. If this continues, speak with your doctor
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Feeling or being sick, stomach pain, diarrhoeaEat little and often and drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
ConstipationTry to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
Dry coughSpeak with your doctor if this is troublesome
TirednessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
'Pins and needles', muscle and joint pain, skin rash, itching, changes in taste, sinusitis, a blocked or runny nose, sore throat, hair loss, and an increased sensitivity to sunlightSpeak with your doctor if any of these are troublesome

Important: If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or face, severe back pain, develop a severe sore throat, mouth ulcers or fever, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store cilazapril

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Vascace®, Roche Products Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. January 2008, accessed 22 June 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3410DocRef: dils2476Last Reviewed: 14 Sep 2008Version: 23
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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