Trandolapril is used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure. This helps relax blood vessels co blood can flow more easily. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent stroke, kidney problems, or heart attacks. Trandolapril may also be used to treat heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this prescription. This is supplied as a tablet with the dosage strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg, and 4 mg for oral use. 

Hypertension is also known as the silent killer. Most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms. For this reason, blood pressure must be measured regularly. Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries. It is the major blood vessels in the body. Hypertension is when blood pressure is too high. Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first number represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats. Some people have hypertension caused by an underlying condition. This type of hypertension is called secondary hypertension. It tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension. Many conditions and medications can lead to secondary hypertension including: 

• Kidney problems
• Obstructive sleep apnea 
• Thyroid problems
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Certain defects you’re born within blood vessels
• Illegal drugs (cocaine and amphetamines)
• Certain medications (cold remedies, birth control pills, over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, and some prescription drugs)

How does Trandolapril work?

Trandolapril is a type of medicine called an ACE inhibitor. This works by blocking the action of a compound in the body called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Usually, ACE creates another compound called angiotensin II. It is part of the body’s natural control of blood pressure. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict and narrow. In which it increases the pressure within the blood vessels. As Trandolapril blocks the action of ACE, it decreases the making of angiotensin II. This means that the blood vessels are allowed to relax and widen. The overall effect of this is a drop in blood pressure.

The reduced pressure within the blood vessels means that the heart does not have to work as hard to pump the blood around the body. This means that ACE inhibitors like Trandolapril can be used when the heart is not pumping as well as it should be following a heart attack. Trandolapril has been shown to help prevent heart failure in people with a weak heart after suffering a heart attack. This also improves survival in this group of people.

How to use Trandolapril?

Trandolapril is to be taken by mouth usually once or twice a day. Each dose may be taken with or without food or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew it. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. 

To decrease your risk of side effects, your doctor may instruct you to start this at a low dose and slowly increase it. Follow the instructions of your doctor carefully. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not suddenly stop taking this without consulting your doctor. If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Never mind the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule if it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Let your doctor know if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse. 

What are the side effects of Trandolapril?

Common side effects:

• Blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication
• Dry cough
• Diarrhea
• Light-headedness
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Skin itching or rash
• Constipation 
• Upset stomach
• Sleep problems or insomnia 
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Cold symptoms (sneezing, stuffy nose, or sore throat)

Let your doctor know if you have these side effects:

• Decreased sexual ability
• Fainting
• Changes in the amount of urine 
• Symptoms of a high potassium blood level (slow or irregular heartbeat and muscle weakness)
• Signs of infection (chills, fever, and persistent sore throat)

Call for medical help right away if you experience signs of an allergic reaction including:

• Hives 
• Difficulty or trouble breathing 
• Swelling in your lips, throat, face, or mouth 

Warnings and Precautions

• If you feel dizzy during treatment this can be relieved by lying down until the symptoms pass. If affected, you should avoid performing possibly dangerous activities such as operating machinery or driving. If you often feel dizzy you should let your doctor know as your dose of this medicine may need to decrease.
• Some people may experience dizziness caused by low blood pressure in the first few days of taking this medicine. For this reason, the first dose should rather be taken at bedtime. Your doctor may want you to take the first dose of this under medical supervision in the hospital if you have low blood pressure, aged over 70 years, low levels of fluids or salt in your blood, very high blood pressure, severe or unstable heart failure, or are taking high doses of diuretic medicines.
• Drinking alcohol may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect of this medicine, which can increase dizziness and may increase the risk of fainting.
• Use this carefully in people with decreased kidney or liver function, narrowing arteries that supply blood to the kidney, decreased fluid volume in the body, diabetes, or heart failure. 
• This is not recommended for use in people with a history of swelling, who suffer from hereditary angioedema, and with a rare hereditary problem of galactose intolerance. 
• Trandolapril is not recommended as well for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you get pregnant while having this medication, call your doctor right away. 
• Let your doctor know if you have any allergies. This drug may have a component that causes an allergic reaction.