Imidapril is a medication available for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is among a class of drugs known as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, because of their mechanism of action. Patients can use this drug to keep their blood pressure low if it does not respond to more conservative treatments and may need to stay on it for life to regulate their hypertension. Other medications are available in the event this one is not effective or causes unexpected complications for the patient. Part of treatment can require regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and check for any issues that might necessitate a change in the treatment plan.
This medication is typically well tolerated. Medications to lower blood pressure can cause some dizziness, especially at first; consequently, patients may need to take their first dose of imidapril at bedtime. If dizziness increases over the next few days, the patient may be experiencing a bad reaction. Swelling around the lips and face is also a sign of a drug reaction, and could indicate the patient is allergic to the medication.
Alcohol can increase the effects of imidapril because it depresses the central nervous system, slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. Patients may need to refrain from drinking or cut back to reduce the risk of severe dizzy spells and bouts of extreme low blood pressure. It can be helpful to stop drinking while growing accustomed to the medication, and to drink with moderation to determine if alcohol is well tolerated while on imidapril therapy.
This medication should be taken on an empty stomach, and at least two hours between any doses of medications intended to treat indigestion, ulcers, or acid reflux disease. Patients should not take imidapril while pregnant or breastfeeding; in the event they become pregnant, they should discuss the situation with an obstetrician. Hypertension in pregnancy is not desirable and does need to be controlled, but it is also important to make sure the patient and fetus are protected from side effects that might cause illness or fetal abnormalities.
Patients who have experienced bad reactions to other ACE inhibitors may not be good candidates for imidapril because there is an increased risk of allergies or other complications. They should discuss the situation with their care providers to determine if the medication is appropriate. In the event it is not, other medications may need to be explored as an alternative to treat the patient’s high blood pressure.
