Ramipril


  • Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.
  • If you need to take an indigestion remedy, leave at least two hours before or after your dose of ramipril.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.

About ramipril

Type of medicineACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor
Used forHigh blood pressure
Heart failure
Prevention of heart attack and stroke in people who are at risk
Kidney problems
Also calledTritace®
Triapin®, Triapin Mite® (ramipril with felodipine)
Available asTablets, modified-release tablets, and capsules

Ramipril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is an enzyme in the body that is necessary in the formation of a chemical called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes the narrowing of arteries, thereby increasing blood pressure. ACE inhibitors prevent the formation of angiotensin II, hence widening the blood vessels and helping lower the blood pressure.

Ramipril can be used on its own or alongside other medicines to help lower the blood pressure and treat heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced). It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and prevent the worsening of kidney problems.

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 have kidney or liver problems.
  • If you are on a salt restricted diet or use salt substitutes which contain potassium.
  • If you have dialysis treatment.
  • If you are dehydrated (for example if you have had diarrhoea and sickness very recently).
  • If you have problems with circulation, for example atherosclerosis or peripheral vascular disease.
  • If you have collagen vascular disease (diseases of the connective tissues), such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or scleroderma.
  • If you have cardiomyopathy (cardiac muscle disease) or aortic stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessel from the heart).
  • If you have a history of angioedema (where the face, tongue and throat swell).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to any other ACE inhibitor (this includes enalapril, lisinopril and perindopril) or to any other medicine.

How to take ramipril

  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take ramipril exactly as your doctor has told you.
  • It is not important whether you take ramipril before, with or after food.
  • Ramipril is usually taken once a day. Try to take ramipril at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you have been prescribed Triapin® or Triapin Mite®, swallow the tablets whole - do not crush or chew them.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
  • Treatment with ramipril is usually life-long.
  • Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time as ramipril. If you need to take an indigestion remedy, leave at least two hours before or after your dose of ramipril.
  • Ramipril may cause 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 are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can ramipril cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but 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 medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Dry, tickly coughIf this becomes troublesome, speak with your doctor
DizzinessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. If this affects you, do not drink alcohol as it may increase any feelings of dizziness
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Feeling or being sick, diarrhoeaEat little and often. Stick to simple or bland foods - avoid rich or spicy foods. Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
Other common side-effects include: tiredness, abdominal discomfort, heartburn and faintingIf any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience any of the following symptoms, speak with your doctor or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay:

  • Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat.
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
  • Chest pain.
  • A severe skin rash.

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

How to store ramipril

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

Important information about all medicines


  • 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. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • 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.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3358DocRef: dils2360Last Reviewed: 4 Jul 2011Version: 26
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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