About Ramipril 5 mg Tablet
Ramipril 5 mg Tablet contains Ramipril 5 mg. Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor. It relaxes and widens blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump. It is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, to protect the heart after a heart attack, and to protect the kidneys in some people with diabetes.
Uses of Ramipril 5 mg Tablet
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke in people at high risk
- After a heart attack
- Kidney disease, including kidney problems linked to diabetes
Benefits
In high blood pressure
Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage over time. Keep taking it even if you feel well.
In heart failure and after a heart attack
It reduces the strain on the heart and can help you live longer and stay out of hospital.
Side effects
A dry cough is common and may not settle. Tell your doctor if it is troublesome; another medicine may be suitable.
Common
- Dry, tickly cough
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Raised potassium levels
Get medical help if you notice
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing (angioedema) — stop taking it and seek emergency care
- Fainting or severe dizziness — seek medical help
- Passing much less urine (possible kidney problems) — contact your doctor
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes — contact your doctor
- Sore throat, fever or mouth ulcers that do not go away — contact your doctor
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet or capsule with water, with or without food. The first dose may make you dizzy, so your doctor may suggest taking it at bedtime.
How it works
It blocks angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). This lowers angiotensin II, a hormone that tightens blood vessels. The vessels relax, blood pressure falls and the heart works less hard.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can lower your blood pressure further and make you dizzy. Limit it.
Pregnancy Unsafe
It must not be used in pregnancy, as it can seriously harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor straight away if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It is not recommended while breastfeeding, especially for newborn or premature babies. Ask your doctor.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness, especially at the start. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
Your doctor will check your kidney function and potassium and may lower the dose.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in liver disease; your doctor will monitor you.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements unless your doctor agrees.
- Keep your appointments for blood tests to check kidney function and potassium.
- If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, tell your doctor, as you may get dehydrated.
- Stand up slowly if you feel dizzy.
- Use reliable contraception if you could become pregnant, and tell your doctor if you plan a pregnancy.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Dicarboxylate-containing ACE inhibitor (prodrug)
- Therapeutic class
- Cardiovascular
- Action class
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Potassium supplements, salt substitutes and potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone) | Can raise potassium to dangerous levels |
| NSAID pain relievers | Reduce its effect and increase the risk of kidney problems |
| Lithium | Lithium levels may rise to harmful amounts |
| Sacubitril/valsartan, ARBs and aliskiren | Increase the risk of angioedema, low blood pressure, high potassium or kidney problems |
| Insulin and diabetes tablets | May lower blood sugar further |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Ramipril prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); Ramipril Summary of Product Characteristics (EMC)). Pharmacist review pending.