Ramipril

Common Brand Names

Cardiopril, Servace, Rapril, Ziram 

Overview

Ramipril is a medicine widely used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It's also prescribed after a heart attack.

Ramipril helps prevent future strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. It also improves your survival if you're taking it for heart failure or after a heart attack.

It works by widening your blood vessels and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

This medicine is available on prescription in some countries. It comes as tablets, capsules and as a liquid that you swallow for people who find it difficult to swallow tablets.

Important Facts

• Ramipril starts to work within a few hours, but it may take a few weeks for full effect.
• Your very first dose of ramipril may make you feel dizzy, so it's best to take it at bedtime. After the first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take it at any time of day. Try to take it at the same time each day.
• Some people get a dry, tickly cough with ramipril. If this happens your doctor might suggest you change to a different medicine.
• If you have severe diarrhoea or you're being sick (vomiting) because of a stomach bug or illness, tell your doctor. You may need to stop taking ramipril for a while until you feel better.
• Drinking alcohol can increase the effect of ramipril, so that it lowers your blood pressure too much, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. It's best not to drink alcohol until you see how ramipril affects you.