4.1. Therapeutic indications

- Treatment of hypertension.

- Cardiovascular prevention: reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with:

• manifest atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease (history of coronary heart disease or stroke, or peripheral vascular disease) or

• diabetes with at least one cardiovascular risk factor (see section 5.1).

- Treatment of renal disease:

• Incipient glomerular diabetic nephropathy as defined by the presence of microalbuminuria,

• Manifest glomerular diabetic nephropathy as defined by macroproteinuria in patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor (see section 5.1),

• Manifest glomerular non diabetic nephropathy as defined by macroproteinuria ≥ 3 g/day (see section 5.1).

- Treatment of symptomatic heart failure.

- Secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction: reduction of mortality from the acute phase of myocardial infarction in patients with clinical signs of heart failure when started > 48 hours following acute myocardial infarction.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

It is recommended that Ramipril is taken each day at the same time of the day.

Ramipril can be taken before, with or after meals, because food intake does not modify its bioavailability (see section 5.2).

Ramipril has to be swallowed with liquid. It must not be chewed or crushed.

Adults

Diuretic-Treated patients

Hypotension may occur following initiation of therapy with Ramipril; this is more likely in patients who are being treated concurrently with diuretics. Caution is therefore recommended since these patients may be volume and/or salt depleted.

If possible, the diuretic should be discontinued 2 to 3 days before beginning therapy with Ramipril (see section 4.4).

In hypertensive patients in whom the diuretic is not discontinued, therapy with Ramipril should be initiated with a 1.25 mg dose. Renal function and serum potassium should be monitored. The subsequent dose of Ramipril should be adjusted according to blood pressure target.

Hypertension

The dose should be individualised according to the patient profile (see section 4.4) and blood pressure control.

Ramipril may be used in monotherapy or in combination with other classes of antihypertensive medicinal products (see sections 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 and 5.1).

Starting dose

Ramipril should be started gradually with an initial recommended dose of 2.5 mg daily.

Patients with a strongly activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may experience an excessive drop in blood pressure following the initial dose. A starting dose of 1.25 mg is recommended in such patients and the initiation of treatment should take place under medical supervision (see section 4.4).

Titration and maintenance dose

The dose can be doubled at interval of two to four weeks to progressively achieve target blood pressure; the maximum permitted dose of Ramipril is 10 mg daily. Usually the dose is administered once daily.

Cardiovascular prevention

Starting dose

The recommended initial dose is 2.5 mg of Ramipril once daily.

Titration and maintenance dose

Depending on the patient's tolerability to the active substance, the dose should be gradually increased. It is recommended to double the dose after one or two weeks of treatment and - after another two to three weeks - to increase it up to the target maintenance dose of 10 mg Ramipril once daily.

See also posology on diuretic treated patients above.

Treatment of renal disease

In patients with diabetes and microalbuminuria:

Starting dose:

The recommended initial dose is 1.25 mg of Ramipril once daily.

Titration and maintenance dose

Depending on the patient's tolerability to the active substance, the dose is subsequently increased. Doubling the once daily dose to 2.5 mg after two weeks and then to 5 mg after a further two weeks is recommended.

In patients with diabetes and at least one cardiovascular risk

Starting dose:

The recommended initial dose is 2.5 mg of Ramipril once daily.

Titration and maintenance dose

Depending on the patient's tolerability to the active substance, the dose is subsequently increased. Doubling the daily dose to 5 mg Ramipril after one or two weeks and then to 10 mg Ramipril after a further two or three weeks is recommended. The target daily dose is 10 mg.

In patients with non- diabetic nephropathy as defined by macroproteinuria ≥ 3 g/day.

Starting dose:

The recommended initial dose is 1.25 mg of Ramipril once daily.

Titration and maintenance dose

Depending on the patient's tolerability to the active substance, the dose is subsequently increased. Doubling the once daily dose to 2.5 mg after two weeks and then to 5 mg after a further two weeks is recommended.

Symptomatic heart failure

Starting dose

In patients stabilized on diuretic therapy, the recommended initial dose is 1.25 mg daily.

Titration and maintenance dose

Ramipril should be titrated by doubling the dose every one to two weeks up to a maximum daily dose of 10 mg. Two administrations per day are preferable.

Secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction and with heart failure

Starting dose

After 48 hours, following myocardial infarction in a clinically and haemodynamically stable patient, the starting dose is 2.5 mg twice daily for three days. If the initial 2.5 mg dose is not tolerated a dose of 1.25 mg twice a day should be given for two days before increasing to 2.5 mg and 5 mg twice a day. If the dose cannot be increased to 2.5 mg twice a day the treatment should be withdrawn.

See also posology on diuretic treated patients above.

Titration and maintenance dose

The daily dose is subsequently increased by doubling the dose at intervals of one to three days up to the target maintenance dose of 5 mg twice daily.

The maintenance dose is divided in 2 administrations per day where possible.

If the dose cannot be increased to 2.5 mg twice a day treatment should be withdrawn. Sufficient experience is still lacking in the treatment of patients with severe (NYHA IV) heart failure immediately after myocardial infarction. Should the decision be taken to treat these patients, it is recommended that therapy be started at 1.25 mg once daily and that particular caution be exercised in any dose increase.

Special populations

Patients with renal impairment

Daily dose in patients with renal impairment should be based on creatinine clearance (see section 5.2):

- if creatinine clearance is ≥ 60 ml/min, it is not necessary to adjust the initial dose (2.5 mg/day); the maximal daily dose is 10 mg;

- if creatinine clearance is between 30-60 ml/min, it is not necessary to adjust the initial dose (2.5 mg/day); the maximal daily dose is 5 mg;

- if creatinine clearance is between 10-30 ml/min, the initial dose is 1.25 mg/day and the maximal daily dose is 5 mg;

- in haemodialysed hypertensive patients: ramipril is slightly dialysable; the initial dose is 1.25 mg/day and the maximal daily dose is 5 mg; the medicinal product should be administered few hours after haemodialysis is performed.

Patients with hepatic impairment (see section 5.2)

In patients with hepatic impairment, treatment with Ramipril must be initiated only under close medical supervision and the maximum daily dose is 2.5 mg Ramipril.

Elderly

Initial doses should be lower and subsequent dose titration should be more gradual because of greater chance of undesirable effects especially in very old and frail patients. A reduced initial dose of 1.25 mg ramipril should be considered.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of ramipril in children has not yet been established. Currently available data for Ramipril are described in sections 4.8, 5.1, 5.2 & 5.3 but no specific recommendation on posology can be made.

Method of administration

Oral use.

4.3. Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1 or any other ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) inhibitors

• History of angioedema (hereditary, idiopathic or due to previous angioedema with ACE inhibitors or AIIRAs)

• Concomitant use with sacubitril/valsartan therapy (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).

• Extracorporeal treatments leading to contact of blood with negatively charged surfaces (see section 4.5)

• Significant bilateral renal artery stenosis or renal artery stenosis in a single functioning kidney

• Second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see sections 4.4 and 4.6)

• Ramipril must not be used in patients with hypotensive or haemodynamically unstable states

• The concomitant use of Ramipril with aliskiren-containing products is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2) (see sections 4.5 and 5.1).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Special populations

Pregnancy

ACE inhibitors such as ramipril or Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (AIIRAs) should not be initiated during pregnancy. Unless continued ACE inhibitor/AIIRAs therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors/AIIRAs should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started (see sections 4.3 and 4.6).

Patients at particular risk of hypotension

• Patients with strongly activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Patients with strongly activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are at risk of an acute pronounced fall in blood pressure and deterioration of renal function due to ACE inhibition, especially when an ACE inhibitor or a concomitant diuretic is given for the first time or at first dose increase.

Significant activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is to be anticipated and medical supervision including blood pressure monitoring is necessary, for example in:

- patients with severe hypertension

- patients with decompensated congestive heart failure

- patients with haemodynamically relevant left ventricular inflow or outflow impediment (e.g. stenosis of the aortic or mitral valve)

- patients with unilateral renal artery stenosis with a second functional kidney

- patients in whom fluid or salt depletion exists or may develop (including patients with diuretics)

- patients with liver cirrhosis and/or ascites

- patients undergoing major surgery or during anaesthesia with agents that produce hypotension.

Generally, it is recommended to correct dehydration, hypovolaemia or salt depletion before initiating treatment (in patients with heart failure, however, such corrective action must be carefully weighed out against the risk of volume overload).

• Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

There is evidence that the concomitant use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren increases the risk of hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure). Dual blockade of RAAS through the combined use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is therefore not recommended (see sections 4.5 and 5.1).

If dual blockade therapy is considered absolutely necessary, this should only occur under specialist supervision and subject to frequent close monitoring of renal function, electrolytes and blood pressure.

ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers should not be used concomitantly in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

• Transient or persistent heart failure post MI

• Patients at risk of cardiac or cerebral ischemia in case of acute hypotension

The initial phase of treatment requires special medical supervision.

• Elderly

See section 4.2.

Surgery

It is recommended that treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors such as ramipril should be discontinued where possible one day before surgery.

Monitoring of renal function

Renal function should be assessed before and during treatment and dose adjusted especially in the initial weeks of treatment. Particularly careful monitoring is required in patients with renal impairment (see section 4.2). There is a risk of impairment of renal function, particularly in patients with congestive heart failure or after a renal transplant.

Angioedema

Angioedema has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors including ramipril (see section 4.8). This risk of angioedema (e.g. swelling of the airways or tongue, with or without respiratory impairment) may be increased in patients taking concomitant medications which may cause angioedema such as mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitors (e.g. temsirolimus, everolimus, sirolimus), vildagliptin or neprilysin (NEP) inhibitors (such as racecadotril). The combination of ramipril with sacubitril/valsartan is contraindicated due to the increased risk of angioedema (see sections 4.3 and 4.5).

In case of angioedema, Ramipril must be discontinued.

Emergency therapy should be instituted promptly. Patient should be kept under observation for at least 12 to 24 hours and discharged after complete resolution of the symptoms.

Intestinal angioedema has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors including Ramipril (see section 4.8). These patients presented with abdominal pain (with or without nausea or vomiting).

Anaphylactic reactions during desensitization

The likelihood and severity of anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions to insect venom and other allergens are increased under ACE inhibition. A temporary discontinuation of Ramipril should be considered prior to desensitization.

Electrolyte Monitoring: Hyperkalaemia

Hyperkalaemia has been observed in some patients treated with ACE inhibitors including Ramipril. Patients at risk for development of hyperkalaemia include those with renal insufficiency, age (> 70 years), uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, or those using potassium salts, potassium retaining diuretics and other plasma potassium increasing active substances, or conditions such as dehydration, acute cardiac decompensation, metabolic acidosis. If concomitant use of the above mentioned agents is deemed appropriate, regular monitoring of serum potassium is recommended (see section 4.5).

Electrolyte Monitoring: Hyponatraemia

Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-diuretic Hormone (SIADH) and subsequent hyponatraemia has been observed in some patients treated with ramipril. It is recommended that serum sodium levels be monitored regularly in the elderly and in other patients at risk of hyponatraemia.

Neutropenia/agranulocytosis

Neutropenia/agranulocytosis, as well as thrombocytopenia and anaemia, have been rarely seen and bone marrow depression has also been reported. It is recommended to monitor the white blood cell count to permit detection of a possible leucopoenia. More frequent monitoring is advised in the initial phase of treatment and in patients with impaired renal function, those with concomitant collagen disease (e.g. lupus erythematosus or scleroderma), and all those treated with other medicinal products that can cause changes in the blood picture (see sections 4.5 and 4.8).

Ethnic differences

ACE inhibitors cause higher rate of angioedema in black patients than in non-black patients.

As with other ACE inhibitors, ramipril may be less effective in lowering blood pressure in black people than in non-black patients, possibly because of a higher prevalence of hypertension with low renin level in the black hypertensive population.

Cough

Cough has been reported with the use of ACE inhibitors. Characteristically, the cough is nonproductive, persistent and resolves after discontinuation of therapy. ACE inhibitor-induced cough should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of cough.

Sodium content

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Clinical trial data has shown that dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) through the combined use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is associated with a higher frequency of adverse events such as hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to the use of a single RAAS-acting agent (see sections 4.3, 4.4 and 5.1).

Contra-indicated combinations

The concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with sacubitril/valsartan is contraindicated as this increases the risk of angioedema (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). Treatment with ramipril must not be started until 36 hours after taking the last dose of sacubitril/valsartan. Sacubitril/valsartan must not be started until 36 hours after the last dose of Ramipril.

Extracorporeal treatments leading to contact of blood with negatively charged surfaces such as dialysis or haemofiltration with certain high-flux membranes (e.g. polyacrylonitril membranes) and low density lipoprotein apheresis with dextran sulphate due to increased risk of severe anaphylactoid reactions (see section 4.3). If such treatment is required, consideration should be given to using a different type of dialysis membrane or a different class of antihypertensive agent.

Precautions for use

Potassium salts, heparin, potassium-retaining diuretics and other plasma potassium increasing active substances (including Angiotensin II antagonists, trimethoprim and in fixed dose combination with sulfamethoxazole, tacrolimus, ciclosporin):

Hyperkalaemia may occur, therefore close monitoring of serum potassium is required.

Antihypertensive agents (e.g. diuretics) and other substances that may decrease blood pressure (e.g. nitrates, tricyclic antidepressants, anaesthetics, acute alcohol intake, baclofen, alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, tamsulosin, terazosin):

Potentiation of the risk of hypotension is to be anticipated (see section 4.2 for diuretics)

Vasopressor sympathomimetics and other substances (e.g. isoproterenol, dobutamine, dopamine, epinephrine) that may reduce the antihypertensive effect of Ramipril:

Blood pressure monitoring is recommended.

Allopurinol, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, procainamide, cytostatics and other substances that may change the blood cell count:

Increased likelihood of haematological reactions (see section 4.4).

Lithium salts:

Excretion of lithium may be reduced by ACE inhibitors and therefore lithium toxicity may be increased. Lithium level must be monitored.

Antidiabetic agents including insulin:

Hypoglycaemic reactions may occur. Blood glucose monitoring is recommended.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetylsalicylic acid:

Reduction of the antihypertensive effect of Ramipril is to be anticipated. Furthermore, concomitant treatment of ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs may lead to an increased risk of worsening of renal function and to an increase in kalaemia.

mTOR inhibitors or DPP-IV inhibitors:

An increased risk of angioedema is possible in patients taking concomitant medications such as mTOR inhibitors (e.g. temsirolimus, everolimus, sirolimus) or vildagliptin. Caution should be used when starting therapy (see section 4.4).

Neprilysin (NEP) inhibitors:

An increased risk of angioedema has been reported with concomitant use of ACE inhibitors and NEP inhibitor such as racecadotril (see section 4.4).

Sacubitril/valsartan

The concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with sacubitril/valsartan is contraindicated as this increases the risk of angioedema.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Ramipril is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.4) and is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see section 4.3).

Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogenicity following exposure to ACE inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Unless continued ACE inhibitor therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.

ACE inhibitor/Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist (AIIRA) therapy exposure during the second and third trimesters is known to induce human foetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia) (See section 5.3 “Preclinical safety data”). Should exposure to ACE inhibitors have occurred from the second trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound check of renal function and skull is recommended. Newborns whose mothers have taken ACE inhibitors should be closely observed for hypotension, oliguria and hyperkalaemia (see also sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Breast-feeding

Because insufficient information is available regarding the use of ramipril during breast-feeding (see section 5.2), Ramipril is not recommended and alternative treatments with better established safety profiles during breast-feeding are preferable, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Some adverse effects (e.g. symptoms of a reduction in blood pressure such as dizziness) may impair the patient's ability to concentrate and react and, therefore, constitute a risk in situations where these abilities are of particular importance (e.g. operating a vehicle or machinery).

This can happen especially at the start of treatment, or when changing over from other preparations. After the first dose or subsequent increases in dose it is not advisable to drive or operate machinery for several hours.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of safety profile

The safety profile of ramipril includes persistent dry cough and reactions due to hypotension. Serious adverse reactions include angioedema, hyperkalaemia, renal or hepatic impairment, pancreatitis, severe skin reactions and neutropenia/agranulocytosis.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions frequency is defined using the following convention:

Very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Very rare

Not known

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Eosinophilia

White blood cell count decreased (including neutropenia or agranulocytosis), red blood cell count decreased, haemoglobin decreased, platelet count decreased

Bone marrow failure, pancytopenia, haemolytic anaemia

Immune system disorders

Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions, antinuclear antibody increased

Endocrine disorders

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Blood potassium increased

Anorexia, decreased appetite,

Blood sodium decreased

Psychiatric disorders

Depressed mood, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, sleep disorder including somnolence

Confusional state

Disturbance in attention

Nervous system disorders

Headache, dizziness

Vertigo, paraesthesia, ageusia, dysgeusia,

Tremor, balance disorder

Cerebral ischaemia including ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack, psychomotor skills impaired, burning sensation, parosmia

Eye disorders

Visual disturbance including blurred vision

Conjunctivitis

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Hearing impaired, tinnitus

Cardiac disorders

Myocardial ischaemia including angina pectoris or myocardial infarction, tachycardia, arrhythmia, palpitations, oedema peripheral

Vascular disorders

Hypotension, orthostatic blood pressure decreased, syncope

Flushing

Vascular stenosis, hypoperfusion, vasculitis

Raynaud's phenomenon

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Non-productive tickling cough, bronchitis, sinusitis, dyspnoea

Bronchospasm including asthma aggravated, nasal congestion

Gastrointestinal disorders

Gastrointestinal inflammation, digestive disturbances, abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting

Pancreatitis (cases of fatal outcome have been very exceptionally reported with ACE inhibitors), pancreatic enzymes increased, small bowel angioedema, abdominal pain upper including gastritis, constipation, dry mouth

Glossitis

Aphtous stomatitis

Hepatobiliary disorders

Hepatic enzymes and/or bilirubin conjugated increased,

Jaundice cholestatic, hepatocellular damage

Acute hepatic failure, cholestatic or cytolytic hepatitis (fatal outcome has been very exceptional).

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Rash in particular maculo-papular

Angioedema; very exceptionally, the airway obstruction resulting from angioedema may have a fatal outcome; pruritus, hyperhidrosis

Exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria, onycholysis,

Photosensitivity reaction

Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, pemphigus, psoriasis aggravated, dermatitis psoriasiform, pemphigoid or lichenoid exanthema or enanthema, alopecia

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Muscle spasms, myalgia

Arthralgia

Renal and urinary disorders

Renal impairment including renal failure acute, urine output increased, worsening of a pre-existing proteinuria, blood urea increased, blood creatinine increased

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Transient erectile impotence, libido decreased

Gynaecomastia

General disorders and administration site conditions

Chest pain, fatigue

Pyrexia

Asthenia

Paediatric population

The safety of ramipril was monitored in 325 children and adolescents, aged 2-16 years old, during 2 clinical trials. Whilst the nature and severity of the adverse events are similar to that of the adults, the frequency of the following is higher in the children:

Tachycardia, nasal congestion and rhinitis, "common" (ie, ≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) in paediatric, and "uncommon" (i.e. ≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100) in adult population.

Conjunctivitis "common" (ie, ≥ 1/100 to < 1/10) in paediatric and "rare” (i.e. ≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000) in adult population.

Tremor and urticaria "uncommon" (.ie. ≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100) in paediatric population and "rare" (i.e. ≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000) in adult population.

The overall safety profile for ramipril in paediatric patients does not differ significantly from the safety profile in adults.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Symptoms

Symptoms associated with overdose of ACE inhibitors may include excessive peripheral vasodilation (with marked hypotension, shock), bradycardia, electrolyte disturbances and renal failure.

Management

The patient should be closely monitored and the treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Suggested measures include primary detoxification (gastric lavage, administration of adsorbents) and measures to restore haemodynamic stability, including, administration of alpha 1 adrenergic agonists or angiotensin II (angiotensinamide) administration. Ramiprilat, the active metabolite of ramipril is poorly removed from the general circulation by haemodialysis.