Ramipril - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Ramipril is a drug to treat hypertension.In addition, this drug is also used in medicine heart failure and after a heart attack.

Ramipril is an ACE class of drugs inhibitor It works by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin plays a role in constricting blood vessels.

This way of working will make blood vessels dilate, blood flow more smoothly, and blood pressure will decrease. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.

Ramipril trademark: Hyperil, Ramipril, Tenapril, Triatec

What is Ramipril

groupPrescription drugs
CategoryACE inhibitor
BenefitTreats hypertension and is used in the treatment of heart failure or after a heart attack
Consumed byMature
Ramipril for pregnant and lactating women Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations.

It is not known whether Ramipril is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.

Drug formTablet

Precautions Before Taking Ramipril

Ramipril should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking ramipril:

  • Do not take ramipril if you are allergic to this drug or to the ACE class inhibitor others, such as enalapril. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have had angioedema, kidney disease, liver disease, (high levels of potassium in the blood) hyperkalemia, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus.
  • Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness, after taking ramipril, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Use effective birth control while on treatment with ramipril to prevent pregnancy.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
  • See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking ramipril.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Ramipril

The dose of ramipril given by the doctor depends on the condition to be treated and the response of the patient's body. The following are the dosages of ramipril for adults based on their intended use:

  • Purpose: Treat hypertension

    The initial dose is 2.5 mg, once a day, taken at bedtime. Maintenance dose 2.5–5 mg, once daily. The dose may be increased to 10 mg per day if needed.

  • Purpose: Treat heart failure

    Initial dose 1.25 mg, once a day. The dose may be increased to 5 mg per day if needed.

  • Purpose: Protects the heart after a heart attack

    Treatment is started 3–10 days after the heart attack. The initial dose is 2.5 mg, 2 times a day. The dose may be increased to 5 mg, 2 times daily, after 2 days of treatment. The maintenance dose is 2.5–5 mg, 2 times daily.

How to Take Ramipril Correctly

Take ramipril as directed by your doctor and always read the instructions for use listed on the drug packaging. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Ramipril can be taken with or without food. Drink a glass of water to swallow ramipril. Do not crush, chew, or split this medication as this may affect the effectiveness of the drug.

If you forget to take ramipril, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, ignore the missed dose. Do not double the dose of ramipril to make up for a missed dose.

During treatment with ramipril, you will be asked to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Store ramipril at room temperature and place in a closed container. Keep this medicine away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.

Ramipril Interactions with Other Drugs

The following are some of the effects of interactions that may occur if ramipril is taken with other medicines:

  • Increased risk of kidney damage if taken with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Increased risk of hyperkalemia if taken with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics
  • Increased risk of hyperkalemia, hypotension, or kidney damage if taken with aliskiren or ARB antihypertensive drugs, such as candesartan
  • Increased levels and toxic effects of lithium

Ramipril Side Effects and Dangers

There are several side effects that can arise after taking ramipril, including:

  • Dizziness or feeling floating
  • dry cough
  • Unusual fatigue

Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:

  • Swelling of the face, tongue, hands or feet (angioedema)
  • Irregular, slow heartbeat, or palpitations
  • Muscles feel weak
  • Very little amount of urine or infrequent urination
  • Severe stomach pain, dark urine, or jaundice
  • Faint