Ramipres

Ramipres (Ramipril) is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Take Ramipres (Ramipril) exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your physician. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your physician may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Take each dose with a full glass of water. This medicine can be taken with or without food.

When taking Ramipres (Ramipril), you should call your physician at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• tired feeling, muscle weakness, and pounding or uneven heartbeats;
• chest pain; or
• swelling, rapid weight gain.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• cough;
• dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• mild skin itching or rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your physician about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking Ramipres (Ramipril). Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily while you are taking this medication.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your physician.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking Ramipres (Ramipril). You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.