What is ramipril?
Ramipril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting
enzyme.
Ramipril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and to improve
survival after a heart attack.
Ramipril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ramipril?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ramipril or to any other ACE
inhibitor, such as benazopril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec),
lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), or trandolapril
(Mavik).
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use
this medication. Before taking ramipril, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
-
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
-
liver disease;
-
heart disease or congestive heart failure;
-
diabetes; or
-
a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome,
Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
FDA pregnancy category D.
Do not
use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Ramipril could
cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of
birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during
treatment.
Ramipril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take ramipril?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this
medication.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Ramipril can be taken with or without food.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to
very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking ramipril. Drink
plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be
checked on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any
scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking
ramipril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store ramipril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of ramipril?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about ramipril?
Your pharmacist has information about ramipril written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of ramipril?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue,
or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
feeling light-headed, fainting;
-
urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
-
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
-
tired feeling, muscle weakness, and pounding or uneven
heartbeats;
-
chest pain; or
-
swelling, rapid weight gain.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
cough;
-
dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
-
sleep problems (insomnia);
-
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an
orgasm;
-
nausea, vomiting; or
-
mild skin itching or rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about ramipril?
Do not
use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant
or planning a pregnancy. Ramipril could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication
during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your
doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of
the side effects of ramipril.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking ramipril, unless your
doctor has told you to.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to
very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking ramipril. Drink
plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
What should I avoid while taking ramipril?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of
the side effects of ramipril.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking ramipril, unless your
doctor has told you to.
What other drugs will affect ramipril?
Before taking ramipril, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
-
gold injections to treat arthritis;
-
lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);
-
a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;
-
salt substitutes that contain potassium;
-
aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin
(Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and others; or
-
a diuretic (water pill).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
ramipril. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This
includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using
a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of ramipril?