Ramipril

What is Ramipril?

Ramipril belongs to a group of medicines called Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. They are widely used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

 

They are also used to protect your heart and blood vessels from further damage following a heart attack. Ramipril helps prevent future stroke, heart attacks and kidney problems.

 

How does Ramipril work?

Like other ACE inhibitors, Ramipril works in your body by decreasing your body’s production of a hormone called angiotensin 11, a hormone that could raise your blood pressure. This relaxes and widens your blood vessels, helps to reduce the amount of water put back into your blood by your kidneys. This makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body and helps to reduce blood pressure.

 

Controlling blood pressure is important, if left untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart and damage blood vessels, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

 

The reduction of fluid in your blood vessels have a protective effect on the heart and slows heart failure (where you heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body. This protective function reduces the risk of kidney disease.

 

How to take Ramipril

Always take your tablets exactly as your doctor has instructed you and read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack. 

 

Ramipril can be taken once or twice a day. It will be advisable to take your first dose before bedtime, because it can make you dizzy. After this you can take ramipril at any time during the day. Its best to take at the same time every day.

 

It can be taken with or without food, Swallow the correct number of tablets with glass of water. Ask doctor for advice if you are unsure of the dose to take.

 

Common questions with Ramipril

What if I get ill while I’m taking it?

 

If you get severe diarrhoea or vomiting for any reason, stop taking ramipril.

 

When you’re able to eat and drink normally, wait for 24 to 48 hours, then start to take it again.

 

If you have questions about this, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

 

 

What if I forget to take it?

 

If you occasionally forget to take a dose, take your next dose the next day at the usual time, never take 2 doses at the same time and never take extra doses.

 

If you often forget doses, may be useful to set an alarm as a reminder.

 

What to do if you take too much?

 

Tell a doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department straight away. Do not drive to the hospital, get somebody else to take you or call for an ambulance. Take the medicine pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have taken. An overdose of Ramipril can cause palpitations, dizziness or lethargy.

 

How long will I take ramipril for?

 

Treatment is usually for life. The benefits will continue as long as you take it unless advised by your doctor.

 

Are ACE inhibitors safe?

 

ACE inhibitors are thought to be very safe and effective medicines.

 

What are the differences between ramipril and other ACE inhibitors?

 

Ramipril works like other ACE inhibitors when treating blood pressure and heart failure. However, unlike other ACE inhibitors, Ramipril is officially approved to be used for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke and also approved for reducing or delaying kidney problems.

 

Driving and using machines

 

You may feel dizzy, while taking ramipril. This is more likely to happen when you start taking ramipril or start taking a higher dose. If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines.

 

Is ramipril addictive?

 

There is no evidence that shows ramipril is addictive.

 

How to store ramipril

 

Always keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. Don’t use it after it’s expiry date.

Store tablets and capsules in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

 

Precautions

Ramipril should only be used after a consultation with a doctor as it can cause serious side-effects especially people in the following conditions.

 

·      If you are allergic to ramipril, any other ACE inhibitor medicine or any of the ingredients in the medicine.

·      If you have a serious allergic reaction called angiodema. The signs include itching, hives, swelling of the throat and tongue, swelling around the eyes and lips, difficulty breathing and swallowing.

·      If you have a low blood pressure

·      If you have kidney disease.

·      If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism);

·      If you have current or past history of liver disease.

·      If you are pregnant or breast feeding.

·      If you are dehydrated for example in severe diarrhoea or vomiting.

·      If you have particular type of poor blood circulation called peripheral vascular disease.

·      If you have a condition called atherosclerosis

·      If you have a collagen vascular disease such as scleroderma or SLE

·      If you have been told you have a heart muscle disease.

·      If you are

·      Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you taking any other medicines as they can affect the way some other medicines work.

 

Side-effects

Ramipril is generally a very safe medicine but like all, ramipril Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

 

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or don’t go away:

 

·      A persistent dry, tickly cough.

·      Dizziness or light-headedness when you stand up or sit up quickly (more likely to happen when you start taking ramipril or increase dose)

·      diarrhoea and being sick (vomiting)

·      a mild skin rash

·      blurred vision

 

 

Stop taking the tablets and seek immediate medical attention should you experience any of these effects:

 

·      Serious allergic reactions, such shortness of breath, tongue and throat swelling.

·      Problem with touch (numbness, tingling pins and needles).

·      Yellowish discolouration of the skin, pale stool.

·      Severe stomach pains.

·      Swollen ankles, blood in your pee or not peeing at all – these can be signs of kidney problems.

·      Weak arms and legs or problems speaking – these can be signs of stroke

·      a faster heart rate, chest pain and tightness in your chest – these can be signs of heart problems

 

common Side effects

 

·      Dizziness/Fainting

·      Dry tickly cough/mouth

·      Headache

·      Hair loss

·      Chest pain

·      Angioedema

·      Skin reactions.

·      Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhoea

·      Cramps or pain your muscles.

·      Numbness

 

 

Uncommon Side effects

 

·      Balance problems

·      Itching and numbness

·      Sleep problems

·      Erectile problems.

·      Heartburn

·      Loss or change in the way things taste

·      Stroke

·      Breathing problems

·      Mood problems

·      Appetite problems

·      Palpitations

·      Blurred vision

·      Joint pains