Trandolapril

About Trandolapril

This belongs to the group of medicines known as ACE inhibitors.

It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and is also sometimes used to treat people who have suffered from a heart attack.

Trandolapril works by causing blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. For this reason it is also sometimes used, alongside other medicines, to treat heart failure and in patients who have suffered a heart attack.

Trandolapril is available in capsule form.

It is also sometimes known as: Gopten; Odrik. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Trandolapril

Before taking any of this medicine 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 or anyone in your family has ever experienced angioedema (swelling of the tongue, lips, face and eyelids)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription

How to Take Trandolapril

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably have to have your blood pressure checked to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Try to take this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium without speaking to your doctor first.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Trandolapril contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Occasionally, dizziness, lightheadedness or blurred vision may occur, especially after the first dose of this medicine. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machinery or do other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Before having any surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the dentist or surgeon that you are taking this medicine.
• Trandolapril can sometimes cause a dry mouth. This can usually be relieved by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or ice. Alternatively a saliva substitute is available to purchase from your pharmacist. If a dry mouth becomes particularly troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor.
• Chest pain resulting from exercise or physical exertion may be prevented by this medicine, this may tempt you to do too much. Discuss this with your doctor if you intend to do a lot of exercise.
• Trandolapril may occasionally cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun. Whilst you are taking this medicine, avoid strong sunlight and sun beds and use a sun cream higher than factor 15.
• Try to avoid alcohol, as it will also affect your blood pressure. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.

Can Trandolapril cause problems?

Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually go away as your body adjusts to the new medicine. If any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome speak with your pharmacist or doctor.

Fast or irregular heart beat, chest pain, dry mouth, skin rashes, weakness, hair loss, shortness of breath, dry cough, a stuffy nose, sore throat, feeling sick, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, problems with taste, pins and needles, fever, muscle or joint pain.

Important: Trandolapril can cause sudden swelling of the tongue, lips, face and eyelids. If this happens contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Trandolapril

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 26/05/2005