Ramipril : Drug Information
What is Ramipril?
Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme or ACE inhibitor and is available under the brand name called Altace. Doctors prescribe Ramipril to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and other conditions as determined by them. It is also beneficial in treating kidney disease and used to prevent cardiovascular disease in patients who are at high risk. It works by blocking the chemicals or substances in the body, which causes the blood vessels to tighten, lowers blood pressure, and increases blood and oxygen supply to the heart. Ramipril is mostly available in the Oral form. One can avail of this medication only with a proper prescription from a doctor.
What to know before taking Ramipril?
You should avoid taking this medication if you are allergic to it or any of its components or if you have:
-
History of angioedema (painless swelling under the eyes)
- Recently used heart medication such as Sacubitril
- Allergic reaction to ACE inhibitors, such as benazepril, moexipril, quinapril, etc
- Prescribed to take telmisartan
To ensure that Ramipril is safe for you, you should tell your doctor if you have or ever had the following medical issues:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Connective tissue disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Fluid or electrolyte imbalance
- Heart or blood vessel disease
- Collagen vascular disease
- Diabetes
Expecting women should not use Ramipril; it may harm their child. Lactating mothers should ask their doctor before using this medication. If you took medicine containing Sacubitril, take a gap of 36 hours before taking this medication and vice-versa.
How to take Ramipril?
Take Ramipril precisely as prescribed by the doctor. You must follow all the instructions given on the prescription label and medication guide carefully. Please don’t take it more than recommended and try to be consistent throughout the treatment. Consult your doctor if you are not feeling any improvement in your condition.
You should often check your blood pressure level while you are on this medication. You may need a frequent blood test to check the sodium level in the body whale using Ramipril. Keep yourself hydrated. If you need any surgery, tell your doctor in advance that you are taking Ramipril. If your doctor is treating you with Ramipril for blood pressure, keep taking the medicines even if your situation improves.
Keep the medication out of children’s reach and store it at room temperature away from heat and moisture. After completion of treatment, ask your pharmacist regarding the disposal of leftover medicines.
Ramipril dosage
The dosage of Ramipril prescribed by the doctor is dependent on several factors, such as :
- The age and weight of the patient
- Symptoms
- The seriousness of the condition\
- Other medical issues that the patient is having
- Other medications that the patient is using
- How the patient reacted to the first dose of the medication
The doctor may prescribe the dosage of Ramipril according to the different medical conditions of the patient.
Dosage for high blood pressure
- For adults
2.5 mg once a day, the doctor can adjust your medicine quantity if he thinks appropriate. However, Ramipril’s maximum amount should not exceed the limit of 20 mg per day, taken once or twice.
- For children
Your doctor will determine the dose for the child after a full medical check-up.
Dosage for heart failure or heart attack
- For adults
2.5 mg twice a day, Your doctor may adjust your medicine quantity if he thinks appropriate. However, Ramipril’s maximum amount should not exceed the limit of 5 mg twice a day.
- For children
Your doctor will determine the dose for the child after a full medical check-up.
Dosage for preventing a heart attack or stroke
- For older adults (55 years or above)
2.5 mg once a day for a week; after that, 5 mg once a day for the next three weeks. Your doctor may adjust your medicine quantity if he thinks it appropriate. However, Ramipril’s maximum amount should not exceed the limit of 10 mg twice a day.
- For adults and children ( less than 55 years of age)
Your doctor will determine the dose for the child after a full medical check-up.
Overdose
There are no specific Ramipril overdose symptoms, but if you ever feel uneasy while taking this medication, you can consult your doctor and seek a medical assistant. You can also call the poison helpline number at 1-800-222-1222.
What to avoid while using Ramipril?
Don’t use potassium supplements and salt substitutes without consulting your doctor. Avoid using alcoholic drinks while on this medication; it may lower your blood pressure level. Please avoid getting up too fast from a lying or sitting position; you may experience dizziness. Get up slowly and steadily to prevent yourself from falling. You should avoid taking Ramipril with aliskiren if you are affected by any kidney disease or diabetes.
Ramipril side effects
Some of the common side effects of using Ramipril are as follows:
- Headache
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain or stiffness in muscles
- Sensation of spinning
- Pain in stomach
- Loss of weight
It is obvious to experience mild side effect symptoms, but if these symptoms bother you so much and are unbearable, you should consult your doctor and ask for medical help. You can stop taking medication and tell your doctor if you face the following problems while taking Ramipril:
- Lightheadedness
- Jaundice
- Problem in urination
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Symptoms of cold or flu
- High level of potassium in the body
- Irregular heartbeats
- Loss of movement
- Allergic reaction to the body
You should also report to your doctor from time to time if you experience any new symptoms or your symptoms are getting even more worst.
What drugs can interact with Ramipril?
If your doctor is treating you with Ramipril, he must be knowing all the possible interactions with other medications. It is your responsibility to tell the doctor about all the over the counter medicines you take or taken in the past few days. Some of the following medications which can interact with Ramipril are:
- Sacubitril
- Aliskiren
- Potassium supplements
- Water pills
- Mood stabilizers
- Pain medications
- Medicines to treat blood pressure
- Heart medicines
- Herbal products
- ACE inhibitors
- Vitamins and other nutritional supplements
- Telmisartan