Ramipril Overview

Generic Name: Ramipril
Drug Class: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

What is Ramipril?

Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor, which stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. It is primarily used to:

• Treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Manage congestive heart failure
• Improve survival rates following a heart attack

Ramipril may also be prescribed for other conditions not listed in this guide.

Warnings

• Pregnancy: Do not use ramipril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on this medication, stop taking it immediately and inform your doctor. Ramipril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if taken during the second or third trimester.
• Angioedema: Avoid using ramipril if you have a history of angioedema.
• Sacubitril Interaction: Do not take ramipril within 36 hours before or after taking medications containing sacubitril (e.g., Entresto).
• Diabetes: If you have diabetes, do not use ramipril with medications containing aliskiren (e.g., Tekturna, Tekamlo).

Before Taking Ramipril

Avoid taking ramipril if you:

• Are allergic to it or other ACE inhibitors (e.g., benazepril, captopril, enalapril)
• Have a history of angioedema
• Recently took a heart medication containing sacubitril

Consult your doctor if you have a history of:

• Kidney disease (especially if you are on dialysis)
• Liver disease
• Connective tissue diseases (e.g., Marfan syndrome, lupus, scleroderma)
• If you are taking telmisartan (Micardis)

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

• Pregnancy: Ramipril can harm the unborn baby, especially in the second or third trimester. Use effective birth control and consult your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: It is not known if ramipril passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding while using this medicine is not recommended.

How to Take Ramipril

• Follow the prescription exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Ramipril can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole. For easier swallowing, you can open the capsule and sprinkle it into water, apple juice, or applesauce. Swallow without chewing and consume the mixture immediately. You can store the mixture for up to 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours in a refrigerator.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water daily while on ramipril to avoid dehydration, which can lead to low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, or kidney failure.
• Monitoring: Your blood pressure will need regular monitoring, and frequent blood tests may be required to check potassium levels.

Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as possible unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not double up doses.

Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to Avoid

• Salt Substitutes/Potassium Supplements: Avoid unless directed by your doctor.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and increase side effects.
• Sudden Movements: Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent dizziness and falls.

Ramipril Side Effects

Seek emergency medical help for:

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, severe stomach pain, breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Serious Side Effects:
  • Light-headedness, fainting sensation
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
  • Little or no urination
  • Fever, chills, sore throat, flu-like symptoms
  • High potassium levels: nausea, weakness, tingling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Persistent cough
• Dizziness, weakness, tiredness

.Note:

The brand name displayed above is specific to this product. Brand names can vary depending on the manufacturer.