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Ramipril

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Ramipril may cause drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness, especially the first time you take it. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, operate machinery or do other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
If you develop a troublesome dry cough, speak to your doctor for advice.
Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.

About ramipril

Type of medicine	ACE Inhibitor
Used for	High blood pressure Heart failure Prevention of heart attack and stroke in people who are at risk
Also called	Tritace®
Available as	Capsules Tablets

Ramipril works by causing blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Before taking ramipril

Before taking ramipril make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from kidney, liver or heart disease.
If you suffer from Raynaud's disease (a disease affecting the circulation in the fingers).

How to take ramipril

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably need to have your blood pressure checked to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you. You may also need blood tests.
Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
Try to take this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember then continue as normal. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose on time.

Getting the most from your treatment

Ramipril may cause drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness, especially the first time you take it. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, operate machinery or do other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Chest pain resulting from exercise or physical exertion may be prevented by this medicine, this may tempt you to do too much. Discuss this with your doctor if you intend to do a lot of exercise.
Try to avoid alcohol, as it will also affect your blood pressure. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effect on you.

Can ramipril cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Dry, tickly cough	Speak to your doctor if this is troublesome - your doctor may want to change your prescription
Feeling or being sick	Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If you are sick drink plenty of water to replace lost fluid.
Dizziness	If affected do not drive or operate machinery or do any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were to become dizzy. Avoid alcohol; it may increase any feelings of dizziness.
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Dry mouth	Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets.
Constipation	Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day.
Diarrhoea	Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.

Other side effects include chest pain, fainting, loss of appetite, skin rashes, itching, hair loss, numbness in the fingers, confusion, anxiety, balance problems, shaking, sexual problems, muscle cramps, a stuffy nose, sore throat, indigestion, stomach pain, light-headedness, tiredness, problems sleeping, changes in taste, pins and needles, fever, muscle and joint pain, swollen ankles, flushing (redness of the face) or a fast heartbeat.

Important: Ramipril can cause sudden swelling of the tongue, lips, face and eyelids. If this happens contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ramipril

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 3358

DocRef: dils2360

Last Reviewed: 13 Sep 2007

Version: 24

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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