What is ramipril and what is it for?

What is ramipril?

Ramipril is a medicine that decreases certain chemical compounds that compress the walls of blood vessels. This drug belongs to the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitors) class of medications. (1)

The active ingredient of this drug is ramipril and is accompanied by components such as cellulose, iron oxide, cornstarch among others. The presentation of this medicine is intablets of 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg, being able to divide each tablet into two equal halves since it comes shaved. Its administration is administered orallywith water, in doses according to the following cases:

• Forhypertensive patients with diuretic treatmentan initial dose with 1.25 mg per day. The intake can be made with food, since it has been proven that this does not reduce its bioavailability.
• Forhypertensive patients 2.5 mg per day under medical supervision.
• In cases of cardiovascular prevention 2.5 mg per day under medical supervision.
• For the treatment of kidney disease an initial dose with1.25 mg dailywith medical supervision.
• In the treatment of heart failure, the recommended starting dose is2.5 mg twice daily forthree days under medical supervision.

Note: For other pathologies it is advisableto follow the instructions of your specialist.

What is ramipril used for?

The use of ramipril is indicated mainly in pathologies of the circulatory and renal system, specifically the following:

1. Hypertension

Arterial hypertension is the increase in blood pressure regardless of the cause, above the values considered normal. (2) In this context, the heart makes much more effort to pump blood through the blood vessels to the various organs.

The effect of ramipril to treat high blood pressure is that it helps the vasodilation of the blood vessels through the inhibition of the chemical compounds responsible for the vasoconstriction of veins and arteries.

To highlight: Scientific studies show the effectiveness of ramipril in the control of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in humans. (3)

2. Risk of heart attack and stroke

Myocardial infarction and cardiovascular accidents are very common pathologies associated with an inadequate diet and degenerative causes of the body itself.

You should know: Scientific trials indicate the effectiveness in the use of ramipril, to reduce the incidence of mortality due to this type of pathology. (4)

3. Kidney disorders

Kidney disorders, such as renal failure, represent another pathological complication that affects the quality of life of many people and causes the kidneys to lose the ability to eliminate waste and balance fluids due to diabetes or hypertension.

Note: Studies indicate that treatment with ramipril helps protect against these disorders , added to the reduction of hypertension and favoring renal function. (5)

Ramipril Side Effects

In this next section, we will tell you about the side effects that you should know about before taking ramipril:

• Allergic reaction to ramipril or any of its components.
• Lack of appetite or upset stomach.
• Nausea, vomiting, yellow skin or eyes, tiredness.
• Headache, shortness of breath.
• Swelling of the face, sore throat, fever, chills.
• You may also feel dizzy after taking this medicine.
• Hyperkalemia due to the increase in potassium salts, heparin, diuretics, angiotensin II antagonists, among others.

Important: Stop taking this medicine and notify your doctor immediately, if you notice any of these symptoms while taking this drug.

Ramipril Contraindications

Do not take this medicine in the following circumstances:

• If you are allergic to ramipril or any of its components.
• In female patients if you become pregnant or if you are in the second and third trimester of pregnancy.
• If the woman is breastfeeding.
• If you are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or potassium supplements.
• If you suffer from lupus erythematosus.

You should know: It is recommended that you review your medical history with your doctor, so that he can tell you whether or not you can take this medication.

Key Conclusions

• Ramipril is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor).
• This medicine acts in the reduction of high blood pressure , in the prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular events and in kidney disorders.
• This medication does not cure the pathologies described, but it helps to reduce the impact of their symptoms on the patient’s quality of life.
• The use and dosage of this medicine must be supervised by a specialist doctor.