This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. It works by causing blood vessels to relax so that blood flows more freely and at a lower pressure. It also increases the heart's ability to pump blood in some types of heart failure. Ramipril is used for treating high blood pressure and decreasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in certain patients. It may also be used to treat congestive heart disease following a heart attack or for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to Take

As a precaution, your doctor may have you take the first dose of Ramipril in his office. To reduce the risk of a severe drop in blood pressure, the dosage of any diuretic you're taking should be reduced or, if possible, eliminated.

High blood pressure: for patients not on diuretics, the usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams, taken once daily. After blood pressure is under control, the dosage will range from 2.5 to 20 milligrams a day in a single dose or divided into 2 equal doses. If Ramipril proves insufficient, the doctor may then add a diuretic.

Heart attack and stroke prevention: patients usually receive 2.5 milligrams once a day for the first week. The dose is then increased to 5 milligrams once a day for the next 3 weeks, and to as much as 10 milligrams daily for the long term. The doctor may recommend dividing each dose into two smaller ones if you have high blood pressure or are recovering from a recent heart attack.

Heart failure after a heart attack: the usual starting dose is 2.5 milligrams taken twice a day. If your blood pressure drops severely, your doctor will reduce the dose to 1.25 milligrams, then slowly increase it back to the starting dose, aiming for a maintenance dose of 5 milligrams twice a day.

Warning and Precautions

Ramipril may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Ramipril with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

A persistent, dry cough may occur. Tell your doctor if this occurs. Recovery is rapid when the medicine is stopped.

Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may lead to a fall in blood pressure. Contact your health care provider at once if any of these occur.

Ramipril may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Report any lightheadedness, especially during the first few days of taking Ramipril , to your doctor. If you experience fainting, you should talk with your doctor.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.

Ramipril may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Ramipril. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms overdose may include dizziness; weakness.

Storage

Store Ramipril at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ramipril out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: fever and chills; hoarseness; swelling of face, mouth, hands, or feet; trouble in swallowing or breathing (sudden); stomach pain, itching of skin, or yellow eyes or skin, dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting; skin rash, with or without itching, fever, or joint pain, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, fever, nausea, or vomiting; chest pain.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Ramipril. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.