Ramipril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients at risk for these problems and to improve survival in patients with heart failure after a heart attack. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Ramipril controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Continue to take ramipril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ramipril without talking to your doctor.

Special precautions

Before taking ramipril,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ramipril, or any other medicines.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease; lupus; scleroderma; diabetes; or angioedema, a condition that causes difficulty swallowing or breathing and painful swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.

• Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. Do not take ramipril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking ramipril, call your doctor immediately. Ramipril may harm the fetus.

• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ramipril.
• You should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

Side effects

Ramipril may cause side effects:

• headache
• dizziness
• cough
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• excessive tiredness
• weakness

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
• lightheadedness
• fainting

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• lightheadedness
• fainting

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to ramipril. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to ramipril.