Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Sandoz Trandolapril.
Angioedema: Angioedema (a serious allergic reaction which causes the area around the throat and tongue to swell) may occur with trandolapril, although uncommonly. Angioedema may also affect the digestive system. If swelling of the face, tongue, or glottis occurs, or you experience unexpected abdominal pain that may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, stop the medication at once and seek immediate medical attention. If you experience angioedema with trandolapril, you should not take any of the other ACE inhibitors, such as Enalapril, Lisinopril, or Quinapril.
People who have had angioedema caused by other substances may be at increased risk of angioedema while taking an ACE inhibitor such as trandolapril.
Blood disorders: In rare cases, a low white blood cell count has been reported by people taking Sandoz Trandolapril. Your doctor may occasionally monitor your level of white blood cells by performing blood tests. Low white blood cell levels may increase your risk for infection. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, sore throat), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Cough: People taking trandolapril may develop a dry, persistent cough that usually disappears only after stopping or lowering the trandolapril dose. Be sure to tell your doctor of any cough which does not seem to be related to a usual cause.
Dizziness/reduced alertness: Trandolapril can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, headache or fatigue that may reduce alertness, especially when you first start to take Sandoz Trandolapril. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by Sandoz Trandolapril.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: Increases in blood levels of potassium may occur as a result of taking trandolapril. This rarely causes problems, but your doctor will probably want to monitor your potassium levels regularly with blood tests. If you experience unexplained nausea, fatigue, muscle weakness, or tingling sensations, contact your doctor.
Kidney function: Certain people who take Sandoz Trandolapril may experience changes in kidney function. Some people may be more likely to experience changes in kidney function (e.g., people with narrowed blood vessels in their kidneys, or those with severe congestive heart failure). The use of diuretics (water pills), aliskiren, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may further increase risk of kidney problems for those at risk for this problem. If you have kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Trandolapril may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Trandolapril, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Sandoz Trandolapril to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Trandolapril may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Trandolapril, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Sandoz Trandolapril.
Sandoz Trandolapril may also cause a decrease in liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Low blood pressure: Occasionally, blood pressure drops too low after taking trandolapril. This usually happens after the first or second dose or when the dose is increased. It is more likely to occur for those who take aliskiren, water pills, have a salt restricted diet, are on dialysis, or are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. These individuals should be monitored closely by their doctor for the first weeks of treatment and whenever the dose of the medication is increased. To reduce the risk of dizziness, get up slowly from a lying down or sitting position. If low blood pressure causes you to faint or feel lightheaded, contact your doctor.
Excessive sweating and lack of fluid intake may lead to an excessive fall in blood pressure because of reduced fluid in your blood vessels. Vomiting or diarrhea may also lead to a fall in blood pressure. Consult your doctor if you feel your blood pressure is too low.
Pregnancy: ACE inhibitors such as trandolapril may cause severe harm or death to a developing baby if taken by the mother during pregnancy. Sandoz Trandolapril should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Sandoz Trandolapril, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Sandoz Trandolapril passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking trandolapril, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Sandoz Trandolapril have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors may have an increased risk of experiencing side effects when taking trandolapril due to reduced kidney function. Lower doses may be necessary to minimize side effects.
