Warnings & Recalls for Ramipril
Ramipril and Pregnancy
In
April 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved warnings of
fetal toxicity if taken during pregnancy. Ramipril is an
FDA pregnancy Category D medicine and
should not be used by women who are
pregnant. If taken during the
final 6 months of pregnancy, ramipril may cause
harm or
death to the
fetus. Ramipril can also be
transferred through breastmilk and harm a
nursing baby.
Do not breastfeed if you are taking ramipril.If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding,
do not take ramipril. Talk to your doctor about the
risks of using ramipril as a treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding.
General Warnings
Before starting treatment with ramipril,
tell your doctor about the following:
- if you have diabetes
- if you have a history of kidney or liver disease or failure
- any other medications you are taking, especially telmisartan (Micardis)
- any allergies you may have
- if you a have a connective tissue disease
- any serious diseases or illnesses you may have
While taking
ramipril, you should have your
blood pressure checked regularly, along with tests of your kidney and liver functions.Let your doctor know if you will be
undergoing surgery. You may need to
temporarily end your use ramipril around the time of the surgery.
Ramipril Interactions
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any condition which may cause low blood pressure. This includes persistent vomiting or diarrhea, excessive sweating or dehydration, or a low salt diet. Avoid using diuretics with ramipril.
Limit your alcohol use while taking
ramipril. When combined with ramipril, alcohol can
lower your blood pressure to dangerous levels and magnify the side effects of this medication.The following medications
may interact with ramipril:
- diuretics
- arthritis treatments
- lithium
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- potassium supplements or salt substitutes which may contain potassium
If you are taking
ramipril, you
should not use
salt substitutes or
potassium supplements unless you have been given consent by your doctor.
Ramipril Treatment and Use
Ramipril | Altace is a generic angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor launched in 1991 for treating high blood pressure. Ramipril may be used alone or in conjunction with other medicines for serious medical conditions such as:
- treating congestive heart failure
- increasing health after a heart attack
- preventing a hearth attack or stroke
- treating diabetes
- preventing kidney failure
Ramipril is not a cure for high blood pressure.
Ramipril should not be used by women who are pregnant.
How Does Ramipril Work?
Angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE) in the body normally work by releasing angiotensin II which causes artery muscles to tighten and contract. By blocking ACE, ramipril allows the artery walls to widen, accounting for an increased and more steady blood flow through these areas. As a result, blood pressure is lowered and the heart is not strained to work as hard. This reaction caused by ramipril also promotes an increased flow of oxygen throughout the body.
Ramipril Dosage Information
Ramipril is given as a tablet to be taken orally. Ramipril is normally taken once or twice a day, depending on the patient’s treatment. Ask your doctor which dose of ramipril is right for you. To take ramipril you should:
- swallow capsule whole with a full glass of water. If you cannot swallow the capsule, open it and sprinkle the powder into a spoonful of applesauce or a small amount of water and swallow the mixture without chewing.
- take the capsule with or without food. To ease an upset stomach you should take ramipril with a meal.
- take ramipril at the same time each day to help you remember
- only take the amount prescribed by your doctor
Keep using ramipril until your prescription treatment is completed, even if you feel better. High blood pressure may have no symptoms.
