What is Ramipril: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Ramipril overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Altace

Generic Names:

  • Ramipril

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure and heart failure. May reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. This medicine is an ACE inhibitor.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent, Renal Protective Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Ramipril used for?

Ramipril is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and congestive heart failure. Ramipril belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Ramipril is a generic medication also sold under the brand name Altace. Ramipril has been available as a generic drug since 2007. In the treatment of high blood pressure, ramipril use is common.

What form(s) does Ramipril come in

  • Tablet

  • Capsule

What are common Ramipril doses?

  • Capsule 1.25MG

  • Capsule 2.5MG

  • Capsule 5MG

  • Capsule 10MG

Common Ramipril prescriptions

  • Ramipril
    1.25mg capsule

  • Ramipril
    10mg capsule

  • Ramipril
    2.5mg capsule

  • Ramipril
    5mg capsule

How to take Ramipril

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Capsule or tablet: Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and mix the medicine with 4 ounces (½ cup) of applesauce, water, or apple juice. Eat or drink this mixture all at once so you get all of the medicine. You may also store the mixture for 24 hours at room temperature or up to 48 hours in the refrigerator.

  • Capsule or tablet: Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and mix the medicine with 4 ounces (½ cup) of applesauce, water, or apple juice. Eat or drink this mixture all at once so you get all of the medicine. You may also store the mixture for 24 hours at room temperature or up to 48 hours in the refrigerator.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

Ramipril contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ramipril, if you are pregnant, or if you have a history of angioedema caused by an ACE inhibitor.

Ramipril warnings

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in a normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Angioedema (severe swelling), including head, neck, and intestinal swellingKidney problemsLiver problems

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, diabetes, low blood pressure, or a collagen-vascular disease, including lupus or scleroderma.

Ramipril interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

  • Some medicines can affect how ramipril works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Aliskiren, gold injection, lithium, telmisartan, temsirolimusA diuretic (water pill)An NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

  • Do not use this medicine together with sacubitril. Do not use this medicine and sacubitril/valsartan within 36 hours of each other.

  • Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes.

Ramipril side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe stomach pain

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Fever, chills, sore throat, body aches

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry cough