What is ramipril?
Ramipril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Ramipril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or congestive heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack.
Ramipril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about ramipril?
Do not use ramipril if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of ramipril.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking ramipril, unless your doctor has told you to.
Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, dehydration, a low salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using ramipril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ramipril?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ramipril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), or trandolapril (Mavik).
To make sure you can safely take ramipril, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
liver disease;
diabetes;
a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis;
if you are also taking telmisartan (Micardis); or
if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use ramipril if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Ramipril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking ramipril.
Ramipril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking ramipril.