Medicine Highlights
Uses | 1- To treat high blood pressure 2- To treat heart attack 3- To prevent heart attack |
Common Side Effects | 1- Blurred vision 2- Confusion 3- Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position 4- Sweating 5- Unusual tiredness or weakness |
Additional Information | Avoid taking alcohol or tobacco with this medicine. |
Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Ramipril Summary
Ramipril 5 mg is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure after a heart attack, and to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. It works by blocking the ACE enzyme, stopping angiotensin II formation, relaxing blood vessels, and lowering fluid retention through reduced aldosterone. Take it daily as prescribed. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and a dry cough. Avoid in pregnancy, liver disease, and with certain meds or alcohol. Lifestyle boost: Eat smart (leafy greens, oats, bananas, garlic), move daily (30 mins exercise), quit smoking and alcohol, get 7–8 hours of sleep, and manage weight these changes help ramipril work better and may reduce long-term medication needs.
Ramipril Uses
Ramipril 5 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medicines. It is used for following indications:
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Heart failure post heart attack
- Signs of heart attack or stroke
Directions for use
- Take ramipril exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking ramipril without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Ramipril side effects
More Common
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- Sweating
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Less Common
- Arm, back, or jaw pain
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Chest tightness or heaviness
- Chills
- Cloudy urine
- Cold sweats
- Decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
- Diarrhea
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
How Ramipril works
Ramipril works by stopping an enzyme called ACE, which prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Without angiotensin II, it cannot bind to its receptor called the AT1 receptor, resulting in relaxed blood vessels. This medicine also reduces the release of a hormone called aldosterone from the kidneys, which lowers water retention and reduces sodium reabsorption. In these ways, ramipril helps to lower blood pressure.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 1- Liver Disease
Patients with existing liver disease should be cautious, as ramipril is excreted through the liver and may further damage it.
📌 2- Pregnancy
This medicine should not be taken during pregnancy, as it can harm your fetus.
Ramipril Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking ramipril 5 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Ramipril Interaction with Food Product
Ramipril does not interact with any food products, but alcohol should be avoided before and after taking the medicine, as it can increase or decrease the effect of ramipril.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Ramipril Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name-
(2S,3aS,6aS)-1-[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-1-ethoxy-1-oxo-4-phenylbutan-2-yl]amino]propanoyl]-3,3a,4,5,6,6a-hexahydro-2H-cyclopenta[b]pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid.

Intake routine/cycle
📌 1- Daily Dose
Take ramipril exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 2- Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 3- Overdose
A dose of more than 50 mg per day can lead to toxicity. Symptoms include a decrease in blood pressure, weakness, and dizziness. If someone experiences these symptoms, rush them to the hospital immediately.
Dietary and Lifestyle Management
A few modifications in your diet and lifestyle can significantly help manage your blood pressure, to the point where your doctor may determine that medication is no longer necessary. Here are some dietary changes and lifestyle practices that can help you manage your blood pressure:
Lose Weight
Weight gain is directly linked to higher blood pressure. If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower your blood pressure. Pay attention to the weight around your waistline as well, excess weight in this area can be a significant risk factor for high blood pressure.
Regular Exercise
Exercise can lower your blood pressure by 5 to 8 mm Hg. Engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity daily can significantly help reduce your blood pressure. Activities like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and dancing are all effective in keeping your blood pressure under control.
Eat Healthy
Choosing a healthy diet not only helps lower your blood pressure but also offers numerous other health benefits. Incorporate the following foods into your diet to help reduce your blood pressure:
Quit or limit alcohol consumption
The kidney is responsible for maintaining the salt and water balance in our body and producing a hormone called renin, which helps regulate blood pressure. Alcohol damages the kidneys, disrupting their normal functioning. To protect your health, it is best to quit alcohol or, at the very least, limit your intake.
Quit Smoking
Cigarettes contain nicotine, an addictive substance that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it’s crucial to avoid smoking to protect your heart and overall health.
Increase your sleep duration
Lack of sleep forces your heart to work harder, causing your blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to high blood pressure. Aiming for 7 to 8 hours of sleep is ideal for those with elevated blood pressure.
FAQ’s
1. Is ramipril better taken at night?
➡️ It is best to take ramipril at night because it can cause dizziness.
2. Can ramipril cause high potassium?
➡️ Ramipril can increase the level of potassium in the body, a condition known as hyperkalemia. If you consume any supplement that contains potassium, inform your doctor.
3. Can ramipril cause depression?
➡️ A study conducted in the Danish population who took antihypertensive medication concluded that ramipril lowers depression.
Reference
- NHS. How and when to take ramipril [Internet]. Available from.
- Kessing LV, Rytgaard HC, Ekstrøm CT, Torp-Pedersen C, Berk M, Gerds TA. Antihypertensive drugs and risk of depression: a nationwide population-based study. Hypertension. 2020 Oct;76(4):1263-79. Available from.
- Chauhan M, Patel JB, Ahmad F. Ramipril. [Updated 2024 Oct 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Ramipril (Oral route) description [Internet]. Available from.