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Ramipril
Ramipril is a drug that is generally used for treating congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. It works by helping to block an enzyme that normally causes blood vessels to narrow. By blocking this enzyme, ramipril causes blood vessels to relax, which lowers blood pressure. The medication comes as a capsule generally taken once a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions. A few of the drug's common side effects include fatigue, body weakness, dizziness, and headache.
What Is Ramipril?
Ramipril is a prescription medication used mainly to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It belongs to a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors and is sold under the brand name Altace®.
Side Effects of Ramipril
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with ramipril. Not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by your doctor.
Common ramipril side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Cough (see Ramipril Cough)
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Body weakness.
(Click Ramipril Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of this medication.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you:
- Have heart disease
- Have liver failure
- Have kidney disease
- Have diabetes
- Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. During pregnancy, ramipril can cause damage or even death to the developing fetus.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take (including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements), especially if you are taking a diuretic (water pill) or a potassium supplement.
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
(Click Ramipril Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take ramipril.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD