Imidapril

About imidapril

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

Imidapril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Imidapril works by causing blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Imidapril is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Tanatril. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking imidapril

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 have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you suffer from kidney or liver problems
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take imidapril

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably have to have regular blood pressure checks 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.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of imidapril 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 after the first dose of this medicine. Make sure that you know how you react to imidapril 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 doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking imidapril.
• Imidapril can sometimes cause a dry mouth. This can usually be relieved by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or ice. 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 imidapril, this may tempt you to do too much. Discuss this with your doctor if you intend to do a lot of exercise.
• Imidapril 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 a little and be aware of its effects on you.

Can imidapril 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.

A swollen tongue, stomach pains, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, confusion, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, sexual problems, dry cough, a stuffy nose, sore throat, feeling or being sick, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, changes in taste, pins and needles, fever, change in mood, muscle or joint pain.

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 imidapril

• 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 then to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 25/11/2005