If you are expecting, do not use ramipril. Call your doctor right away if you get pregnant while taking ramipril. The foetus could suffer from ramipril side effects.

Ramipril is used to treat high blood pressure either alone or in combination with other drugs. It is also used to increase survival in individuals with heart failure following a heart attack and to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients at risk for these issues. Ramipril belongs to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors drug class. It functions by lowering specific molecules that restrict blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and enhancing the heart’s ability to pump blood more effectively.

Untreated high blood pressure is a frequent illness that can harm the kidneys, brain, heart, blood vessels, and other body organs. Heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, a stroke, renal failure, eyesight loss, and other issues may result from damage to these organs. Making lifestyle modifications will help you control your blood pressure in addition to taking medication. These adjustments include quitting smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, eating a diet low in fat and salt, keeping a healthy weight, and exercising for at least 30 minutes most days.

Ramipril is available as a pill to be swallowed. With or without food, it is often taken once or twice day. Ramipril should be taken at the same time(s) each day to help you remember to take it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Ramipril should be used as prescribed. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Take the capsule whole, or break it open and sprinkle the contents into 4 ounces (120 mL) of water, apple juice, or a small bit of applesauce. Consume or ingest the entire combination. This mixture can be made ahead of time and kept for 48 hours in the fridge or 24 hours at room temperature.

Initially prescribed at a low dose, ramipril is likely to be progressively increased by your doctor.

Ramipril manages heart failure and high blood pressure but does not treat either condition. Even if you feel good, keep taking the ramipril medication. Without first consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking ramipril.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before taking ramipril,

• Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies to ramipril, other ACE inhibitors like benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril, enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), fosinopril, lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril, perindopril (Aceon, in Prestalia), quin Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• If you are using sacubitril and valsartan together (Entresto), or if you have stopped taking it within the last 36 hours, let your doctor or pharmacist know. If you also take valsartan and sacubitril, your doctor generally won’t let you take ramipril. Additionally, let your physician know if you have diabetes and are on aliskiren (Tekturna, in Amturnide, Tekamlo, Tekturna HCT). If you have diabetes and are also taking aliskiren, your doctor generally won’t let you take ramipril.
• Inform your physician and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Mention any of the following: potassium supplements, diuretics (or “water pills”), lithium (Lithobid), aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex). Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• Inform your doctor if you’ve ever experienced any swelling in your hands, feet, ankles, lower legs, face, neck, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, or throat while taking ramipril. Most likely, your doctor will advise against taking ramipril.
• Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, lupus, scleroderma (a condition where excess tissue forms on the skin and some organs), liver, kidney, or heart illness.
• Inform your doctor if you are nursing a child.
• Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking ramipril if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
• You should be aware that blood pressure might drop as a result of diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, excessive perspiration, and not drinking enough water, which can result in dizziness and fainting.

Before using potassium-containing salt replacements, consult your doctor. If your doctor advises a low-salt or low-sodium diet, strictly follow the instructions.

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Ramipril could have negative effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Cough
• Uneasy stomach
• Vomiting
• Excessive fatigue
• Weakness

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur to you:

• Swelling of the lower legs, hands, feet, ankles, or face, neck, tongue, lips, eyes, or mouth
• Hoarseness
• Breathing or swallowing challenges
• The skin or eyes turning yellow
• Fever, chills, a sore throat, and other symptoms of infection
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting

Ramipril may result in additional adverse effects. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Overdose signs could include the following:

• Lightheadedness
• Fainting

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. You should routinely monitor your blood pressure to see how ramipril is impacting you. To monitor how your body is responding to ramipril, your doctor may request specific lab tests.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.