trandolapril at a glance
Medicine class
ACE inhibitor
Licensed uses
Mild or moderate high blood pressure and left ventricular dysfunction after an acute heart attack
Food
May be taken before, during or after a meal
Monitoring
Blood pressure, kidney function and blood potassium usually require monitoring
What is trandolapril used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Mild or moderate arterial hypertension.
Left ventricular dysfunction following an acute myocardial infarction.
How does trandolapril work?
Trandolapril is converted in the body to trandolaprilat. This blocks ACE, reducing formation of the blood-vessel-tightening hormone angiotensin II and lowering aldosterone activity. Blood vessels relax, blood pressure falls and the heart pumps against less resistance; reduced bradykinin breakdown may contribute to both vasodilation and ACE-inhibitor cough.
trandolapril preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg
How to take trandolapril
Follow the directions on the dispensing label. Swallow the capsule whole without chewing, with a glass of water. It may be taken before, during or after food.
Do not stop treatment solely because you feel well; discuss stopping with the prescriber.
Dizziness or faintness can occur, particularly when treatment changes. Avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.
Tell surgical, dental or anaesthetic staff that you take trandolapril.
trandolapril side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or dizziness.
- Dry or persistent cough.
- Weakness.
- Low blood pressure; this was common in trials involving left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction but uncommon in hypertension trials.
Get urgent medical advice
- Angioedema: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, with or without breathing difficulty.
- Severe faintness, collapse or symptomatic low blood pressure.
- Markedly reduced urine or other signs of kidney impairment.
- Raised potassium, which may cause weakness or an abnormal heartbeat.
- Jaundice or other evidence of liver injury.
- Fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers suggesting a blood-cell disorder.
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread skin reaction.
- Severe abdominal pain, sometimes with nausea or vomiting, which may represent intestinal angioedema.
trandolapril in pregnancy
Trandolapril should not be started during pregnancy and is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters. Anyone planning pregnancy should discuss an alternative beforehand; if pregnancy occurs, contact the prescriber promptly so treatment can be reviewed. Exposure after about 20 weeks can harm fetal kidney function and reduce amniotic fluid, requiring specialist assessment and monitoring.
trandolapril while breastfeeding
The product information does not recommend trandolapril during breastfeeding because medicine-specific evidence is unavailable, particularly for newborn or premature infants. If an ACE inhibitor is needed, enalapril has the best-established UK breastfeeding evidence; the choice should be reviewed with the prescriber or a specialist medicines service.
trandolapril interactions
Check prescription, non-prescription and complementary products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Sacubitril/valsartan
Concurrent use is contraindicated because it substantially increases the risk of angioedema; product-specific separation requirements apply when switching.
Angiotensin receptor blockers or aliskiren
Dual renin–angiotensin system blockade increases hypotension, high potassium and kidney impairment; some combinations are contraindicated.
Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes and potassium-sparing diuretics
Common questions about trandolapril
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is trandolapril an ACE inhibitor?
Yes. It is converted to trandolaprilat, which blocks angiotensin-converting enzyme and relaxes blood vessels.
Why is trandolapril prescribed after a heart attack?
It is licensed when the heart’s left ventricle has reduced function after an acute heart attack, helping reduce the workload against which the heart pumps.
Can trandolapril be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.