Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official and paediatric dosages, pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance, and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official and paediatric dosages, pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance, and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Ramipril Capsules contains a medicine called ramipril. This belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors). Ramipril Capsules work by: - Decreasing your body's production of substances that could raise your blood pressure - Making your blood vessels relax and widen - Making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. Ramipril Capsules can be used: - To treat high blood pressure (hypertension) - To reduce the risk of you having a heart attack or stroke - To reduce the risk or delay the worsening of kidney problems (whether or not you have diabetes) - To treat your heart when it cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body (heart failure) - As treatment following heart attack (myocardial infarction) complicated with heart failure.
- If you have taken or are currently taking sacubitril/valsartan, a medicine used to treat a type of long-term (chronic) heart failure in adults, as the risk of angioedema (rapid swelling under the skin in an area such as the throat) is increased. - If you are having dialysis or any other type of blood filtration. Depending on the machine that is used, Ramipril Capsules may not be suitable for you. - If you have kidney problems where the blood supply to your kidney is reduced (renal artery stenosis). - During the last 6 months of pregnancy (see section below on "Pregnancy and breastfeeding") - If your blood pressure is abnormally low or unstable. Your doctor will need to make this assessment. - If you have diabetes or impaired kidney function and you are treated with a blood pressure lowering medicine containing aliskiren. - If you are taking any of the following medicines, the risk of angioedema may be increased: Racecadotril, a medicine used to treat diarrhoea; ● Medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection and for cancer (e.g., temsirolimus, sirolimus, everolimus). ● Vildagliptin, a medicine used to treat diabetes. Do not take Ramipril Capsules if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor before taking Ramipril Capsules. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Ramipril capsules: - If you have heart, liver or kidney problems - If you have lost a lot of body salts or fluids (through being sick (vomiting), having diarrhoea, sweating more than usual, being on a low salt diet, taking diuretics (water tablets) for a long time or having had dialysis). - If you are going to have treatment to reduce your allergy to bee or wasp stings (desensitisation). - If you are going to receive an anaesthetic. This may be given for an operation or any dental work. You may need to stop your Ramipril Capsules treatment one day beforehand; ask your doctor for advice. - If you have high amounts of potassium in your blood (shown in blood test results). - If you are taking medicines or have conditions which may decrease sodium levels in your blood. Your doctor may carry out regular blood tests, particularly for checking the levels of sodium in your blood especially if you are elderly. - If you are taking medicines that may increase the risk of angioedema, a serious allergic reaction, such as mTOR inhibitors (e.g. temsirolimus, everolimus, sirolimus), vildagliptin, neprilysin (NEP) inhibitors (such as racecadotril) or sacubitril/valsartan. For sacubitril/valsartan, see section 2 "Do not take Ramipril". - If you have collagen vascular disease such as scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus. You must tell your doctor if you think that you are (or might become) pregnant. Ramipril capsules are not recommended in the first 3 months of pregnancy and may cause serious harm to your baby after 3 months of pregnancy, (see section below on "Pregnancy and breastfeeding"). - If you are taking any of the following medicines used to treat high blood pressure: - an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARBs) (also known as sartans-for example valsartan,
telmisartan, irbesartan), in particular if you have diabetes-related kidney problems. - aliskiren Your doctor may check your kidney function, blood pressure, and the amount of electrolytes (e.g. potassium) in your blood at regular intervals. See also information under the heading "Do not take Ramipril capsules". Children and adolescents
Ramipril Capsules are not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age because the safety and efficacy of Ramipril Capsules in children has not yet been established. If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor before taking Ramipril Capsules. Other medicines and Ramipril Capsules Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This is because Ramipril Capsules can affect the way some other medicines work. Also some medicines can affect the way Ramipril Capsules work. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines. They can make Ramipril Capsules work less well: - Medicines used to relieve pain and inflammation (e.g. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or indometacin and aspirin) - Medicines used for the treatment of low blood pressure, shock, cardiac failure, asthma or allergies such as ephedrine, noradrenaline or adrenaline. Your doctor will need to check your blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines. They can increase the chance of getting side effects if you take them with Ramipril Capsules: - Sacubitril/valsartan – used for treating a type of long term (chronic) heart failure in adults (see section 2 'Do not take Ramipril) - Medicines used to relieve pain and inflammation (e.g. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or indometacin and aspirin) - Medicines for cancer (chemotherapy) - Medicines to stop the rejection of organs after a transplant such as ciclosporin - Diuretics (water tablets) such as furosemide - Potassium supplements (including salt substitutes), potassium-sparing diuretics and other medicines that can increase the amount of potassium in your blood (e.g. trimethoprim and cotrimoxazole for infections caused by bacteria; ciclosporin, an immunosuppressant medicine used to prevent organ transplant rejection; and heparin, a medicine used to thin blood to prevent clots). - Steroid medicines for inflammation such as prednisolone - Allopurinol (used to lower the uric acid in your blood) - Procainamide (for heart rhythm problems) - Temsirolimus (for cancer)Sirolimus, everolimus (for prevention of graft rejection) - Vildagliptin (used for treating type 2 diabetes) - Racecadotril (used against diarrhoea) - Your doctor may need to change your dose and/ or to take other precautions if you are taking an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) or aliskiren (see also information under the headings "Do not take Ramipril capsules" and "Warnings and precautions"). Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines. They may be affected by Ramipril Capsules: - Medicines for diabetes such as oral glucose lowering medicines and insulin. Ramipril Capsules may lower your blood sugar amounts. Check your blood sugar amounts closely while taking Ramipril Capsules. - Lithium (for mental health problems). Ramipril Capsules may increase the amount of lithium in your blood. Your lithium amount will need to be closely checked by your doctor. If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor before taking Ramipril Capsules.
Ramipril Capsules with food and alcohol - Drinking alcohol with Ramipril Capsules may make you feel dizzy or light-headed. If you are concerned about how much you can drink while you are taking Ramipril Capsules, discuss this with your doctor as medicines used to reduce blood pressure and alcohol can have additive effects. - Ramipril Capsules may be taken with or without food. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Pregnancy You must tell your doctor if you think that you are (or might become) pregnant. You should not take Ramipril Capsules in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and you must not take them at all after the 13th week as their use during pregnancy may possibly be harmful to the baby. If you become pregnant while on Ramipril Capsules, tell your doctor immediately. A switch to a suitable alternative treatment should be carried out in advance of a planned pregnancy. Breast-feeding You should not take Ramipril Capsules if you are breast-feeding. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines You may feel dizzy while taking Ramipril Capsules. This is more likely to happen when you start taking Ramipril Capsules or start taking a higher dose. If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines.
Treatment to reduce or delay the worsening of kidney problems - You may be started on a dose of 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg once daily. - Your doctor will adjust the amount you are taking. - The usual dose is 5 mg or 10 mg once daily.
Treatment of heart failure - The usual starting dose is 1.25 mg once daily. - Your doctor will adjust the amount you take. - The maximum dose is 10 mg daily. Two administrations per day are preferable. Treatment after you have had a heart attack - The usual starting dose is 1.25 mg once daily to 2.5 mg twice daily. - Your doctor will adjust the amount you take. - The usual dose is 10 mg daily. Two administrations per day are preferable. Elderly Your doctor will reduce the initial dose and adjust your treatment more slowly. If you take more Ramipril Capsules than you should Tell a doctor or go to the nearest hospital casualty department straight away. Do not drive to the hospital, get somebody else to take you or call for an ambulance. Take the medicine pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have taken. If you forget to take Ramipril Capsules - If you miss a dose, take your normal dose when it is next due. - Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Stop taking Ramipril Capsules and see a doctor straight away, if you notice any of the following serious side effects - you may need urgent medical treatment: - Swelling of the face, lips or throat which make it difficult to swallow or breathe, as well as itching and rashes. This could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction to Ramipril capsules. - Severe skin reactions including rash, ulcers in your mouth, worsening of a pre-existing skin disease, reddening, blistering or detachment of skin (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis or erythema multiform). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience: - Faster heart rate, uneven or forceful heartbeat (palpitations), chest pain, tightness in your chest or more serious problems including heart attack and stroke - Shortness of breath or a cough. These could be signs of lung problems - Bruising more easily, bleeding for longer than normal, any sign of bleeding (e.g. bleeding from the gums), purple spots, blotching on the skin or getting infections more easily than usual, sore throat and fever, feeling tired, faint, dizzy or having pale skin. These can be signs of blood or bone marrow problems - Severe stomach pain which may reach through to your back. This could be a sign of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). - Fever, chills, tiredness, loss of appetite, stomach pain, feeling sick, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice). These can be signs of liver problems such as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) or liver damage.
Other side effects include: Tell your doctor if any of the following gets serious or lasts longer than a few days. Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) - Headache or feeling tired - Feeling dizzy. This is more likely to happen when you start taking Ramipril Capsules or start taking a higher dose - Fainting, hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure), especially when you stand or sit up quickly - Dry tickly cough, inflammation of your sinuses (sinusitis) or bronchitis, shortness of breath - Stomach or gut pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, feeling or being sick - Skin rash with or without raised area - Chest pain - Cramps or pain in your muscles - Blood tests showing more potassium than usual in your blood. Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) - Balance problems (vertigo) - Itching and unusual skin sensations such as numbness, tingling, pricking, burning or creeping on your skin (paraesthesia) - Loss or change in the way things taste - Sleep problems - Feeling depressed, anxious, more nervous than usual or restless - Blocked nose, difficulty breathing or worsening of asthma - A swelling in your gut called "intestinal angioedema" presenting with symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea - Heartburn, constipation or dry mouth - Passing more water (urine) than usual over the day - Sweating more than usual - Loss or decrease of appetite (anorexia) - Increased or irregular heartbeats - Swollen arms and legs. This may be a sign of your body holding onto more water than usual - Flushing - Blurred vision - Pain in your joints - Fever - Sexual inability in men, reduced sexual desire in men or women - An increased number of certain white blood cells (eosinophilia) found during a blood test - Blood tests showing change in the way your liver, pancreas or kidneys are working. Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) - Feeling shaky or confused - Red and swollen tongue - Severe flaking or peeling of the skin, itchy, lumpy rash - Nail problem (e.g. loosening or separation of a nail from its bed) - Skin rash or bruising - Blotches on your skin and cold extremities - Red, itchy, swollen or watery eyes - Disturbed hearing and ringing in your ears - Feeling weak - Blood tests showing a decrease in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets or in the amount of haemoglobin. Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) - Being more sensitive to the sun than usual. Other side effects reported:
Please tell your doctor if any of the following gets serious or lasts longer than a few days. - Difficulty concentrating - Swollen mouth - Blood tests showing too few blood cells in your blood - Blood tests showing less sodium than usual in your blood - Concentrated urine (dark in colour), feel or are sick, have muscle cramps, confusion and fits which may be due to inappropriate ADH (anti-diuretic hormone) secretion. If you have these symptoms contact your doctor as soon as possible - Fingers and toes changing colour when you are cold and then tingling or feeling painful when you warm up (Raynaud's phenomenon) - Breast enlargement in men - Slowed or impaired reactions - Burning sensation - Change in the way things smell - Hair loss. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Al/PVC/PVDC and Al/PVC/PE/PVDC Blister pack.
Pack sizes: 10 and 28 (2x14's) capsules.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder & Manufacturer: Brown & Burk UK Ltd 5 Marryat Close Hounslow West Middlesex TW4 5DQ United Kingdom This leaflet was last updated in July 2024 This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Ramipril 5 mg Capsules comes as capsule containing 5mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Ramipril 5 mg Capsules is ramipril.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Ramipril 5 mg capsules, Ramipril 5mg Hard Capsules. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Ramipril 5 mg Capsules, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- 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.
Posology
It is recommended that Ramipril capsules are taken each day at the same time of the day.
Ramipril capsules can be taken before, with or after meals, because food intake does not modify its bioavailability (see section 5.2).
Ramipril capsules have to be swallowed with liquid. They 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 dosage 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 10mg of Ramipril once daily.
See also posology of diuretic treated patient 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 of Ramipril after one or two weeks and then to 10 mg of 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 of 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.
– Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1or 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. Ramipril must not be initiated earlier than 36 hours after the last dose of sacubitril/valsartan (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
– 2nd and 3rd trimester 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).
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 patients
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.
Hypersensitivity/ Angioedema
Angioedema has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors including ramipril (see section 4.8).
Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with sacubitril/valsartan is contraindicated due to the increased risk of angioedema. Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan must not be initiated earlier than 36 hours after the last dose of Ramipril. Treatment with Ramipril must not be initiated earlier than 36 hours after the last dose of sacubitril/valsartan (see sections 4.3 and 4.5).
Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with racecadotril, mTOR inhibitors (e.g. sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus) and vildagliptin may lead to an increased risk of angioedema (e.g. swelling of the airways or tongue, with or without respiratory impairment) (see section 4.5). Caution should be used when starting racecadotril, mTOR inhibitors (e.g. sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus) and vildagliptin in a patient already taking an ACE inhibitor.
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 inpatients 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.
Serum potassium
ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia because they inhibit the release of aldosterone. The effect is usually not significant in patients with normal renal function. However, in patients with impaired renal function and/or in patients taking potassium supplements (including salt substitutes), potassium-sparing diuretics, trimethoprim or co-trimoxazole also known as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and especially aldosterone antagonists or angiotensin-receptor blockers, hyperkalemia can occur.
Potassium-sparing diuretics and angiotensin-receptor blockers should be used with caution in patients receiving ACE inhibitors, and serum potassium and renal function should be monitored (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 non-productive, persistent and resolves after discontinuation of therapy. ACE inhibitor-induced cough should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of cough.
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.
Potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes
Although serum potassium usually remains within normal limits, hyperkalaemia may occur in some patients treated with ramipril. Potassium sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride), potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes may lead to significant increases in serum potassium. Care should also be taken when ramipril is co-administered with other agents that increase serum potassium, such as trimethoprim and cotrimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) as trimethoprim is known to act as a potassium-sparing diuretic like amiloride. Therefore, the combination of ramipril with the above-mentioned drugs is not recommended. If concomitant use is indicated, they should be used with caution and with frequent monitoring of serum potassium.
Ciclosporin
Hyperkalaemia may occur during concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with ciclosporin. Monitoring of serum potassium is recommended.
Heparin
Hyperkalaemia may occur during concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with heparin. Monitoring of serum potassium is recommended.
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:
Hypoglycemic 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.
Medicines increasing the risk of angioedema
Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with sacubitril/valsartan is contraindicated as this increases the risk of angioedema (see section 4.3 and 4.4).
Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with racecadotril, mTOR inhibitors (e.g. sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus) and vildagliptin may lead to an increased risk for angioedema (see section 4.4).
Pregnancy
Ramipril is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.4) and 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 also 5.3 'Preclinical safety data'). Should exposure to ACE inhibitor 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 breastfeeding (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.
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.
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
Cardiac disorders
Myocardial ischaemia including angina pectoris or myocardial infarction, tachycardia, arrhythmia, palpitations, oedema peripheral
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
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
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
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
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
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Blood potassium increased
Anorexia, decreased appetite,
Blood sodium decreased
Vascular disorders
Hypotension, orthostatic blood pressure decreased, syncope
Flushing
Vascular stenosis, hypoperfusion, vasculitis
Raynaud's phenomenon
General disorders and administration site conditions
Chest pain, fatigue
Pyrexia
Asthenia
Immune system disorders
Anaphylactic or anaphylactoi d reactions, antinuclear antibody increased
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).
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Transient erectile impotence, libido decreased
Gynaecomastia
Psychiatric disorders
Depressed mood, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, sleep disorder including somnolence
Confusional state
Disturbance in attention
Endocrine disorders
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
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 the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard Or search for MHRA Yellow card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with overdose of ACE inhibitors may include excessive peripheral vasodilatation (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.
Ask anything about Ramipril 5 mg Capsules. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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