Uses of Ramipril

Ramipril is used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. Also  used to treats and reduces the risk of getting a heart attack or stroke and slow down the worsening of kidney problems.

Therapeutic Category

Ramipril: Antihypertensives (ACE Inhibitors)

How Ramipril works

Ramipril decreases blood pressure by decreasing the production of substances that raises blood pressure (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme). This in turn reduces constriction of veins (vasoconstriction). Ramipril distributes extensively amongst your body tissues. As a result, it widens and relaxes your blood vessels leading to efficient blood circulation.

Common side effects of Ramipril

• headache, feeling tired or dizziness
• fainting, orthostatic hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure, especially when you stand or sit quickly)
• dry cough, inflamed sinuses (sinusitis)
• bronchitis, shortness of breath
• stomach pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, nausea
• skin rash
• chest pain
• cramps or pain in muscles and joints

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• Concentrated urine (darker than usual in colour)
• Confusion and fits
• Faster heart rate or heartbeat (palpitations), chest pain, tightness in your chest or more serious problems including heart attack and stroke
• Shortness of breath or a cough
• Blood or bone marrow problems (bruising more easily, bleeding for longer than normal, any sign of bleeding (bleeding from the gums), purple spots, or getting infections more easily, fever, dizzy or having pale skin)
• Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain which may reach through to your back)
• Hepatitis or liver damage (fever, chills, tiredness, loss of appetite, stomach pain)
• Yellowing of skin or whites of your eyes (jaundice)
• Swelling of face, lips or throat which make it difficult to swallow or breathe, as well as itching and rashes
• Severe skin reactions including rash, mouth ulcers, worsening of a pre-existing skin disease, reddening, blistering or detachment of skin (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis or erythema multiforme)
• In case of accidental overdose or ingestion

Health Tips for Ramipril

• Follow regular physical exercise and healthy eating habits
• Reduce stress levels by doing meditation or stretching exercise. Rest and relax
• Maintain a healthy sleep cycle for 8 hours
• Tell your doctor if you are taking, have taken, or might take any other medicine, including prescription, non-prescription or any herbal medicine
• Ramipril is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women