Ramipril is a medicine commonly used to treat high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It belongs to a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors, which help relax blood vessels so the heart can pump more easily. Ramipril is also prescribed for patients with heart failure or after a heart attack to improve survival.

What Is Ramipril?

Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor sold under the brand Altace, among others. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease. Additionally, Ramipril is used to prevent cardiovascular disease in high-risk individuals. It is often considered a reasonable initial treatment for high blood pressure.

Uses of Ramipril Tablet

  • Hypertension: Helps in lowering high blood pressure , thereby reducing the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
  • Post-Heart Attack: Improves survival rates following a heart attack .
  • Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: Used in high-risk patients, such as those with heart disease or diabetes, to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
  • Heart Failure: Treats heart failure in patients who have recently had a heart attack.

How Does Ramipril Work?

Ramipril tablet works by blocking an enzyme in the body called ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme). This enzyme normally causes blood vessels to tighten. By blocking it, Ramipril helps relax the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.

This reduces blood pressure and lowers the strain on the heart. It does not directly affect hormones or the nervous system, but it influences a hormone-like substance (angiotensin II) that controls blood pressure and fluid balance.

Ramipril Dosage

  • Typical Tablet dosage instructions: The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily. It may be increased based on the patient's condition and doctor's advice.
  • If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.
  • In case of overdose: Symptoms may include severe dizziness, fainting, or very low blood pressure. Seek immediate medical attention.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Side Effects of Ramipril

Ramipril side effects include dry cough, low blood pressure, high potassium, and kidney issues. These occur because ramipril blocks ACE, reducing angiotensin II, which lowers blood pressure but may affect kidney function and increase bradykinin levels, leading to cough and altered electrolyte balance in the body.

Common Side Effects:

  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Faintness
  • Lightheadedness (especially when getting up suddenly)
  • Sweating
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

Serious Side Effects:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Cold sweats
  • Decrease in urine output
  • Diarrhea
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Seizures
  • Cough
  • Nausea or vomiting

Precautions

  • Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Ramipril or other ACE inhibitors.
  • Medical History: Discuss any history of angioedema, dialysis, high blood potassium levels, or other relevant conditions.
  • Dizziness: This medication may cause dizziness; avoid alcohol and be cautious with activities requiring alertness.
  • Dehydration: Ensure adequate hydration, especially during excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
  • Potassium Levels: This medication may increase potassium levels; consult your doctor before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes.
  • Older Adults: They may be more sensitive to side effects like dizziness and increased potassium levels.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn child. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications (Drug Interactions)

  • Drug interactions: Ramipril may interact with diuretics, NSAIDs, potassium supplements, lithium, and other blood pressure medicines, possibly affecting their effectiveness or increasing side effects.
  • Supplements and herbal products: Products containing potassium or salt substitutes may raise potassium levels in the blood. Always inform your doctor about any herbal or over-the-counter supplements you are using.

How Should Ramipril Be Stored?

  • Recommended storage temperature: Store Ramipril at room temperature, between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep it in a dry place away from moisture and heat.
  • If not stored properly: Exposure to heat, light, or moisture can reduce the medicine's effectiveness. Always store it in its original packaging and keep it out of reach of children.

Ramipril vs Enalapril

Ramipril Enalapril
  • Brand name: Altace
  • Formula: C23H32N2O5
  • Molar mass: 416.511 g/mol
  • Uses:
    • Treats high blood pressure
    • Heart failure
    • Diabetic kidney disease
    • Prevents cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients
  • Administration: Oral
  • Brand name: Vasotec
  • Formula: C20H28N2O5
  • Molar mass: 376.4467 g/mol
  • Uses:
    • Treats high blood pressure
    • Heart failure
    • Diabetic kidney disease
  • Administration: Oral or intravenous

Reference:

Ramipril
Book Doctor Appointment
Book Free Appointment

Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!

040-68334455

Frequently Asked Questions

Ramipril is used for the treatment of high blood pressure hypertension. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems. Ramipril is also used to improve survival after a heart attack. It may also be used in high-risk patients (such as those with heart disease/diabetes) to help prevent strokes and heart attacks. This medicine may also be used to treat heart failure in patients who have recently had a heart attack. Ramipril is known as an ACE inhibitor and works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

Ramipril is an inhibitor of the angiotensin-converting enzyme- ACE. It works by blocking a substance in the body that tightens the blood vessels. As a result of this, ramipril relaxes the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Ramipril side effects are as follows:

It is recommended that you avoid moderately high or high potassium dietary intake if you are taking ramipril. This may cause high levels of potassium in your blood. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking ramipril unless told to do so by your doctor.

Headache, dizziness, and tiredness. Dry cough that usually resolves upon discontinuation of therapy. This side effect is common to all inhibitors of ACE. Occasionally, ramipril may cause excessive lowering of blood pressure, but the risk is higher for diuretic patients or those who are sodium-depleted or dehydrated.

Ramipril helps lower blood pressure, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. The first dose of ramipril may make you feel dizzy, so it's best to take it at bedtime. You can take ramipril at any time of the day after that.

Symptoms of anxiety: Patients who are known to have anxiety or tremor should be monitored for these symptoms for at least a few weeks when starting ramipril.

After multiple doses of ramipril once daily, the effective half-life of ramiprilat concentrations was 13-17 hours for doses of 5-10 mg and longer for lower doses of 1.25-2.5 mg.

Ramipril is used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps in preventing stroke, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Ramipril is also used to improve survival following a heart attack.

The most common side effects of ramipril (seen in between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people) include headache, dizziness, tick cough, sinus inflammation, shortness of breath, stomach or intestine upset, rash, cramping or muscle pain, low blood pressure or fainting, chest pain and tiredness.


Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.

Book Appointment Second Opinion WhatsApp Health Packages Find Doctors

Feeling unwell?

Request a callback!