Information on Ramipril and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

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Ramipril Consumer Information

RAMIPRIL

Generic Name: ramipril (RA mi prill)

Brand Names: Altace

What is the most important information I should know about ramipril?

  • Do not take ramipril if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, ramipril can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
  • Ramipril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking ramipril, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking ramipril.
  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ramipril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
  • Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with ramipril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related adverse effects.

What is ramipril?

  • Ramipril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).
  • Ramipril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), to prevent heart failure following a heart attack, and to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in patients who are at an increased risk for these problems.
  • Ramipril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take ramipril?

  • Ramipril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking ramipril, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking ramipril.
  • Before taking ramipril, tell your doctor if you
    • have kidney disease;
    • have liver disease;
    • are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood; or
    • are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).
  • You may not be able to take ramipril, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
  • Ramipril is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that ramipril is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, ramipril can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Do not take ramipril if you are pregnant.
  • Ramipril passes into breast milk and its effects on a nursing baby are not known. Do not take ramipril without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take ramipril?

  • Take ramipril exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • Take each dose with a full glass of water.
  • Ramipril can be taken with or without food.
  • Do not stop taking ramipril without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this medication, your condition could become worse.
  • Store ramipril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Seek emergency medical attention.
  • Symptoms of a ramipril overdose include extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking ramipril?

  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ramipril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
  • Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking ramipril.
  • Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking ramipril except under the supervision of your doctor.
  • Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with ramipril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

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