RAMIPRIL

Generic Name : RAMIPRIL

TradeName : ACEPRIL tab ACEPRIL TAB tab ACEPRIL-A tab ALVACE cap AMLOKOS-R tab CARDACE tab CARDIOPRIL cap CONRAM tab CORDIMIL cap CORPRIL cap CORPRIL-AM tab DEXACE tab ECATOR tab ETORIL tab GOPRIL tab HECRIL tab HOPACE cap HOPACE tab HOPACE-AM tab HOPECARD 2.5-AM cap HOPECARD cap HOPERAM tab KAPRIL tab MEGAPRIL tab ODIPRIL HG-cap OLMY-R tab PREFACE tab PRILACE tab R.PRIL cap RACE cap RAMACE cap RAMACE TAB tab RAMCOR cap RAMEY cap RAMIC tab RAMICARD tab RAMIC-FORTE tab RAMICHEK tab RAMIC-M tab RAMIDIL cap RAMIHART film-coated tab

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : This medication is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients at risk for these problems and to improve survival in patients with heart failure after a heart attack. It is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It decreases certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Hypersensitivity, bilateral renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the arteries going to the kidney), or a single kidney with unilateral renal artery stenosis, aortic stenosis or outflow tract obstruction, pregnancy and lactation.

When it is to be taken : Oral Hypertension Initial: 1.25 mg at bedtime. Maintenance: 2.5-5 mg/day as a single dose, up to 10 mg/day if needed. Heart failure Initial: 1.25 mg once daily. Max: 10 mg/day. Myocardial infarction (Heart Attack) Start 3-10 days after infarction. Initial: 2.5 mg twice daily after 2 days, then 5 mg twice daily. Maintenance: 2.5-5 mg twice daily.

How it should be taken : It comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food.

Special Instruction :
1. It may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. Get up slowly from bed.
2. It may cause a serious side effect called angioedema. Contact your doctor at once if you develop swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness.
3. It may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely.
4. Monitor kidney function before and during treatment.
5. Regular monitoring of white blood cells in patients with vascular collagen disorders is recommended.
6. Use with caution in patients with history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, heart problems, severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium), diabetes (poorly controlled), strokes, blood vessel disease (e.g., collagen vascular diseases such as lupus, scleroderma).

Side Effects :
HEART- Low blood pressure, chest pain, loss of consciousness.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM- Dizziness.
GI- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
GENITOURINARY- Abnormal kidney function.
BLOOD- Severe decrease in white blood cells.
METABOLIC- Increase in potassium in blood.
RESPIRATORY- Cough.
MISCELLANEOUS- Severe allergic reactions.

Other Precautions :
Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may increase the risk of low blood pressure. So monitor BP regularly.

Storage Conditions :
Store at 25 °C. Store it in airtight container and keep away from children.