Ramipril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or congestive heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently. In patients with chronic heart failure, after myocardial infarction, Ramipril reduces the risk of sudden death. It is important to note, Ramipril is dangerous for pregnant women to take.
Before taking Ramipril
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the last few months of your pregnancy, you plan to become pregnant. Ramipril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ramipril, benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other medications.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.
Ramipril side effects:
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects include headache, dizziness(greater than 2% to less than or equal to 5%), asthenia and fatigue.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects include dysphasia, constipation, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, anorexia, vomiting.
Respiratory side effects include cough (less than 2%).
Genitourinary
Genitourinary side effects include impotence (less than 0.5%).
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal side effects include back pain (1%-3%), joint pain.
Other
Other side effects have included dry eyes, parosmia, tinnitus, weight gain, thrombocytopenia, anemia.
What other information should I know?
Before starting treatment, all patients should undergo examination of their renal function.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of ramipril.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
