Imidapril
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
None
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Summary
Imidapril is used to treat high blood pressure, which is when the force of blood against your artery walls is too high. It also helps manage heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively. By relaxing blood vessels, it reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Imidapril belongs to a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels. It blocks a substance that narrows blood vessels, allowing them to widen. This helps lower blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood.
The usual starting dose of imidapril for adults is 5 mg once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your response and needs. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg daily. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your personal health needs.
Common side effects of imidapril include dizziness, headache, and cough. These effects vary from person to person and are usually mild. If you notice new symptoms after starting imidapril, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Imidapril can cause low blood pressure, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. This may lead to dizziness or fainting. It can also affect kidney function, so regular monitoring is important. If you experience swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.
Indications and Purpose
How does imidapril work?
Imidapril belongs to a medication group called ACE inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels. Normally, your body produces a substance that narrows blood vessels. Imidapril blocks this process, allowing blood vessels to widen. Think of it like opening a garden hose to let water flow more easily. This helps lower blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood.
Is imidapril effective?
Imidapril is effective in treating high blood pressure, which is when the force of blood against your artery walls is too high. It works by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood. Clinical studies show imidapril significantly lowers blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Always follow your doctor's instructions to achieve the best results.
What is imidapril?
Imidapril is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, which is when the force of blood against your artery walls is too high. It belongs to a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels. This makes it easier for your heart to pump blood. Imidapril is also used to treat heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take imidapril?
Imidapril is usually a long-term medication for managing high blood pressure, which is when the force of blood against your artery walls is too high. You'll typically take imidapril every day as a lifelong treatment unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Stopping this medication without medical advice could cause your condition to worsen.
How do I dispose of imidapril?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so it doesn't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.
How do I take imidapril?
Take imidapril as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily. It can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Always follow your doctor's specific advice about diet and fluid intake while taking this medication.
How long does it take for imidapril to start working?
Imidapril begins working in your body shortly after you take it, but you may not notice all the benefits right away. For high blood pressure, you might see some improvement in blood pressure levels within a few days, but more significant changes typically take several weeks. How quickly the medication works can depend on your overall health. Take it exactly as prescribed for the best results.
How should I store imidapril?
Store imidapril at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep it in a tightly closed container. Don't store it in humid places like bathrooms. Always store imidapril out of children's reach to prevent accidental swallowing. Check the expiration date regularly and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication.
What is the usual dose of imidapril?
The usual starting dose of imidapril for adults is 5 mg once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your response and needs. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg daily. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your personal health needs.
Warnings and Precautions
Can imidapril be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Imidapril is not recommended while breastfeeding. We don't have much information about whether this medication passes into human breast milk. However, it might affect the baby's developing kidneys. If you're taking imidapril and want to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about safer medication options that would allow you to nurse your baby safely.
Can imidapril be taken safely while pregnant?
Imidapril isn't recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. It can harm the developing baby, affecting kidney development and causing low blood pressure. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safest way to manage your blood pressure during this important time. Your doctor can help create a pregnancy-specific treatment plan that protects both you and your baby.
Can I take imidapril with other prescription drugs?
Imidapril can interact with other medications, increasing the risk of side effects. Combining it with diuretics, which are water pills, can increase the risk of low blood pressure. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce its effectiveness. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Does imidapril have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common adverse effects of imidapril include dizziness, headache, and cough. These effects are usually mild. Serious adverse effects, like angioedema, which is swelling under the skin, are rare but require immediate medical attention. Always tell your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms while taking imidapril.
Does imidapril have any safety warnings?
Yes, imidapril has important safety warnings. It can cause low blood pressure, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. This may lead to dizziness or fainting. Imidapril can also affect kidney function, so regular monitoring is important. If you experience swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately. Always follow your doctor's advice and report any new symptoms.
Is imidapril addictive?
Imidapril is not addictive or habit-forming. This medication doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. It works by affecting your blood vessels to lower blood pressure, not by affecting brain chemistry. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed.
Is imidapril safe for the elderly?
Elderly individuals are more vulnerable to the side effects of medications like imidapril, which can cause low blood pressure and kidney issues. Imidapril is generally safe for the elderly, but they may require lower doses and careful monitoring. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are important to ensure the medication is working effectively and safely.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking imidapril?
It's best to avoid alcohol while taking imidapril. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of low blood pressure, which may cause dizziness or fainting. If you do choose to drink occasionally, limit how much alcohol you consume and watch for warning signs like dizziness or lightheadedness. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking imidapril to get personalized advice based on your specific health situation.
Is it safe to exercise while taking imidapril?
You can exercise while taking imidapril, but keep a few things in mind. This medication can cause low blood pressure, which might make you feel dizzy or lightheaded during exercise. To exercise safely, drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity. Watch for signs of dizziness or unusual fatigue. If you notice these symptoms, slow down or stop exercising and rest. Most people can maintain their regular exercise routine while taking imidapril, but check with your doctor if you have concerns about your specific situation.
Is it safe to stop imidapril?
Stopping imidapril suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise, which may increase the risk of heart problems. Always talk with your doctor before stopping imidapril. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose or switching to a different medication to keep your condition under control. Your doctor will help you make any medication changes safely to protect your health.
What are the most common side effects of imidapril?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. Common side effects of imidapril include dizziness, headache, and cough. These effects vary from person to person and are usually mild. If you notice new symptoms after starting imidapril, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Who should avoid taking imidapril?
Don't take imidapril if you're allergic to it or its ingredients. Serious allergic reactions, which cause rash, hives, or swelling that makes breathing difficult, require immediate medical help. Imidapril shouldn't be used by people with a history of angioedema, which is swelling under the skin, related to ACE inhibitors. Always consult your doctor about these concerns.
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