ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
To reduce risk of cardiac events, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, after heart attacks
BRAND NAME Altace
DRUG CLASS
Blood pressure
DESCRIPTION
Ramipril lowers blood pressure by inhibiting the production of chemicals that cause blood vessels to constrict.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Chest pain, too low blood pressure (especially after first dose), cough, fainting, headache, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, rash, abnormal taste, nausea, shortness of breath.
CAUTIONS
Do not use if you have had tongue, lip, throat, or mouth swelling (symptoms of angioedema) after taking other drugs in the same class or if you have these symptoms unrelated to drug therapy. Angioedema can occur at any time during treatment, but especially following the first dose. Report symptoms to your doctor.
Do not use in pregnant patients who are in the second or third trimester.
Do not use with certain kidney problems (kidney artery stenosis, decreased kidney function).
Avoid rapid dosage increases, which may lead to kidney problems.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Potassium supplements, cotrimoxazole (high dose), angiotension II receptor antagonists (candesartan, losartan, irbesartan, etc.) or potassium sparing diuretics (amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), digoxin,
lithium, and certain drugs used to treat diabetes (sulfonylureas). Aspirin (high doses) or indomethacin may aggravate the beneficial effects of this drug.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Unknown
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
St. John’s wort, capsaicin, dong quai, ephedra, yohimbe, ginseng, large amounts of natural licorice
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category C for first trimester. FDA Pregnancy Risk Category D for second and third trimester. Excreted in breast milk. Do not use this drug during breast-feeding.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Report vomiting, diarrhea, excessive perspiration, or dehydration; also sore throat, fever, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or if difficulty in breathing occurs or if persistent cough develops; may cause lightheadedness during
first few days of therapy; if a cough develops which is bothersome, consult physician. Capsule is usually swallowed whole but may be sprinkled on applesauce or mixed in water or juice.
