Ramipril (Oral Route)
Name: Ramipril (Oral Route)
Descriptions
Ramipril is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, ramipril relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Ramipril is also used in some patients after a heart attack. After a heart attack, some of the heart muscle is damaged and weakened. The heart muscle may continue to weaken as time goes by. This makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. Ramipril may be started within the first few days after a heart attack to increase survival rate.
Ramipril is also used to lessen the chance of heart attacks or strokes in patients 55 years of age or older and have serious heart disease.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Tablet
- Capsule
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ramipril in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving ramipril.
Pregnancy
| Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| All Trimesters | D | Studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease, may outweigh the potential risk. |
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), history of—May increase the risk of this condition occurring again.
- Collagen vascular disease (an autoimmune disease) or
- Kidney disease—Increased risk of blood problems.
- Congestive heart failure, severe—Use may lead to kidney problems.
- Diabetes or
- Kidney problems—Increased risk of potassium levels in the body becoming too high.
- Diabetic patients who are also taking aliskiren (Tekturna®)—Should not be used in patients with this condition.
- Electrolyte imbalance (eg, low sodium in the blood) or
- Fluid imbalance (due to excessive perspiration, vomiting, diarrhea) or
- Heart or blood vessel disease or
- Kidney disease or
- Liver disease—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
- Patients with severe kidney problems who are also taking aliskiren (Tekturna®)—Should avoid use of ramipril.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.