Ramipril
Description
Ramipril belongs to a class of medications called Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme
(ACE) inhibitors. Ramipril is used in high blood pressure. It helps to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Uses
- Chronic congestive heart failure (CCF)
- After a heart attack (Myocardial Infarction)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetic kidney disease
Contraindications
When should one not use Ramipril
- Are allergic to Ramipril
- Ever had angioedema (itching hives, swelling of face, tongue, throat, difficulty breathing)
- Have a condition called renal artery stenosis where blood supply to the kidney is hampered
- Too low blood pressure
- Pregnancy
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Cough, low blood pressure, headache and dizziness
- Fainting
- Skin rash
- Cramps in legs
- Increase potassium in blood test
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are also seen
- Abnormal kidney function
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Ramipril during pregnancy?
A:
Ramipril is not to be taken during pregnancy. It can be harmful to the baby. If pregnancy is expected, do not start the treatment with Ramipril. If pregnancy is detected while on Ramipril, the medicine should be discontinued as soon as possible.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Ramipril while breastfeeding?
A:
You should not take Ramipril if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Ramipril?
A:
If you feel dizzy while taking Ramipril, try to avoid driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Ramipril?
A:
Alcohol consumption with Ramipril can cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Caution is advised.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- If you have heart, liver or kidney problems
- If you have high amounts of potassium in your blood (shown in blood test results)
- If decreased sodium levels in your blood
- If you have collagen vascular diseases such as scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) helps in forming angiotensin, which causes spasm or tightening of healthy blood vessels. ACE-inhibitors like Ramipril work by decreasing angiotensin, thus smooth the blood flow, so that the heart can pump blood more efficiently. It also lowers the blood pressure....
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- All angiotensin receptor blockers e.g. Valsartan
- Pregabalin
- Aspirin
- Azathioprine
- When taken along with Ramipril these are known to increase serum potassium in your blood such as Spironolactone, Triamterene, Amiloride, potassium salts, Trimethoprim alone or in combination with Sulfamethoxazole (for infections) and Heparin (for blood thinning)...
Interactions with food items
- No known interaction with food.
Dietary Restrictions
Avoid foods containing high potassium content. Low-salt diet preferred.
Dosage
Overdose
There can be different signs of Ramipril overdose but typically it can include extreme low blood pressure, increased levels of sodium or potassium in the blood, sudden kidney failure. Seek for medical help if you suspect an overdose of medicine....
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed one....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Abhishek B L
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I inform my healthcare expert before I start treatment with Ramipril?
A: Notify your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy during the administration of this medicine because it is contraindicated in pregnancy. You must give an account of your past and present diseases, especially diabetes, and all the ongoing medications, supplements and herbal medicines that you are taking. If you take anti-diabetic medication or Insulin, track your blood sugar carefully while taking Ramipril, particularly during the first month of its use. The combination of these diabetes medicines when on Ramipril, may cause significant changes in your blood sugar levels.
References
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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