Privinil
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Privinil
Privinil is an ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) drug which acts by relaxing the blood vessels, thereby making it easier for heart to pump blood, by reducing blood pressure.
Therapeutic Uses of Privinil
Privinil is used in the treatment of high blood pressure either alone or with other anti hypertensive drugs. It is also used with other medicines to manage heart failure or improve survival after a heart attack. It is also used in treatment of kidney problems due to diabetes. Privinil can be used in other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Privinil
Take Privinil as your doctor tells you or follow the instructions given in the label of the medicine for exact dosing. Take it orally with food or without food. If you have any question about dosing of Privinil, ask your doctor or other health care provider.
If You Miss a Dose of Privinil
If you miss a dose of Privinil and you are taking it regularly, you should take it as soon as you remember. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor.
How to Store Privinil
Privinil should be stored at room temperature. Keep it away from moisture, heat and light in a properly closed container. Keep Privinil out of reach of children.
More Information About Privinil
Privinil should be used by the patient only for whom it is prescribed and not shared it with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Privinil
Do not take Privinil if you are suffering from any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you have allergy to any of the ingredients of Privinil.
- If you are pregnant, especially in second and third trimester of pregnancy.
- If the patient is a child and there is also severe kidney problem.
- If you have a history of angio-edema (swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, tongue or difficulty swallowing, difficulty in breathing hoarseness of voice etc. are symptoms of angio-edema), including angioedema due to an ACE inhibitor.
Some important points about Privinil:
- If you are taking Privinil, you should not drive or do other works that are risky and need constant attention and monitoring.
- Privinil can cause serious side effect called angioedema. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of angioedema like swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, tongue or difficulty swallowing, difficulty in breathing hoarseness of voice etc.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: Do not take Privinil if you are pregnant. It may cause birth defects or fetal death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you are pregnant, consult your doctor right away and do pregnancy test. It is not clear if Privinil is found in breast milk but do not breast feed while on Privinil.
- Use Privinil with caution in elderly persons as they may be more sensitive to it.
- Privinil may not work well in black people and they are also at greater risk of developing serious side effects like angioedema. It should be used cautiously in black people.
- If you are taking Privinil, the side effects of it like low blood pressure may be higher if you suffer from dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea etc.
- Privinil may lower your immune status, although it is rare. This risk of low immunity may be greater if you have certain other health problems like kidney problems, collagen vascular disease etc. consult your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills, which may be due to low immunity.
- Inform your doctor or dentist if you take Privinil before you receive any medical care, dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Patients who take medicine (like Privinil) for high blood pressure often feel tired for a few weeks after starting treatment. But you should take your medicine even if you may not feel normal. The tiredness will go away by itself in few weeks. Inform your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
- If you have high blood pressure, you should not use nonprescription medicines that contain stimulants like diet pills or cold medicines.
- In diabetes patients Privinil may affect blood sugar level. Check your blood sugar levels regularly and closely. Consult your doctor if you need to change the dose of your diabetes medicine or need any extra medicines.
- Lab tests like (including blood pressure) blood electrolyte levels, heart function, kidney function test, liver function test etc. may be performed while you use Privinil. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Possible Adverse Effects of Privinil
- The most common and less serious side effects of Privinil are cough, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, headache, tiredness etc. These common side effects usually go away in few weeks, but if they become bothersome and persistent you should consult your doctor.
- Get immediate medical attention if you experience any serious but uncommon side effects of Privinil like severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the hands, eyes, mouth, face, lips, or tongue; hoarseness of voice etc.), infection (symptoms of infection are fever, chills, persistent sore throat); low blood pressure (symptoms of low blood pressure are fainting, severe dizziness, lightheadedness etc.); stomach pain, chest pain; dark urine, decreased urination; difficulty swallowing; irregular or slow heartbeat, yellowing of the skin or eyes.