Ramipril

CAUTION:
Do not take ramipril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking ramipril, call your doctor without delay. Ramipril may harm the fetus.

General Information and Indications:

Ramipril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients at risk for these problems and to improve survival in patients with heart failure after a heart attack. Ramipril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
 

Information For Users:

Ramipril comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take ramipril, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take ramipril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.

Swallow the capsule whole, or open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a small amount of applesauce (about 4 oz.) or in 4 oz. of water or apple juice. Eat or drink the entire mixture. This mixture can be prepared in advance and stored for 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours in the refrigerator.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of ramipril and slowly increase your dose.

Ramipril controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Continue taking ramipril even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking ramipril without informing your doctor.

special precautions:

o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergy 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.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin); diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding heart, liver, or kidney disease; lupus; scleroderma; diabetes; or angioedema, a condition that causes difficulty swallowing or breathing and painful swelling of the the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
o Inform your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking ramipril.
o you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Take the missed dose at the earliest possible moment. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Adverse Effects:

Ramipril may cause adverse effects. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

o headache
o dizziness
o cough
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o extreme tiredness (fatigue)
o weakness

Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:

o swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
o hoarseness
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o yellowing of the skin or eyes, jaundice
o fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
o lightheadedness
o fainting

Possible Symptoms of Overdose:

o lightheadedness
o fainting

Brand Name(s):

o Altace®