Altace and Creatine

• Generic Name: ramipril
• Dosage Forms: capsule
• Other Brand Names: Altace

Altace (ramipril) is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.

Altace is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Altace is also used to treat congestive heart failure.

• Generic Name: creatine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Cytotine

Creatine is a manmade form of a chemical that is normally found in the body. It is also found in meat and fish. Most creatine in the human body is stored in the muscles. Creatine is a source of energy for muscle contraction and is also involved in muscle growth.

Creatine has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid for enhancing athletic performance, and for increasing muscle strength in people with heart failure, muscular dystrophy, and McArdle's disease (a genetic disorder). It may also be possibly effective in treating Parkinson's disease, and gyrate atrophy (a genetic eye disorder that affects the retina and causes vision loss).

Creatine has also been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, or Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). However, research has shown that it may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating high cholesterol, depression, bipolar disorder, or certain muscle diseases.

It is not certain whether creatine is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. It should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Creatine is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.