How and when to take ramipril

Always follow your doctor's advice, and the instructions that come with your medicine.

Dosage

The dose of ramipril you take depends on why you need the medicine. Take it how your doctor tells you to.

To decide the correct dose for you, your doctor will check your blood pressure and ask you if you're getting any side effects from your medicine.

You may also have blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working and the amount of potassium in your blood.

Depending on why you're taking ramipril, the usual starting dose is between 1.25mg and 2.5mg once a day.

This will be increased gradually over a few weeks to the usual dose for your condition:

• high blood pressure – 2.5mg to 5mg once a day
• heart failure or after a heart attack – 5mg twice a day or 10mg once a day
• kidney disease (nephropathy) – 5mg or 10mg once a day

Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried about side effects with ramipril.

The maximum dose is 5mg twice a day or 10mg once a day.

How to take it

You'll usually take ramipril once or twice a day.

Your doctor may suggest that you take your first dose before bedtime because it can make you feel dizzy.

After the very first dose, you can take ramipril at any time during the day. Try to take it at the same time every day.

You can take ramipril with or without food. Swallow ramipril tablets or capsules whole with a drink of water.

If you're taking ramipril as a liquid, it will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

Changes to your dose

You'll probably be prescribed a low dose of ramipril at first so it does not make you feel dizzy.

This will usually be increased gradually until you reach the right dose for you.

When you first start taking it you may be prescribed a pack that contains tablets of 3 different strengths of ramipril (2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg). Your doctor will tell you which strength to take, how often to take it, and when or if you need to increase your dose.

How long to take it for

Usually, treatment with ramipril is long term, and you may have to take it for the rest of your life.

If you get ill while taking it

Contact your doctor if you get ill, such as a high temperature, sweats and shaking or severe diarrhoea or vomiting.

Your doctor may advise you to stop taking ramipril until you recover and are eating and drinking normally.

If you forget to take it

If you miss a dose of ramipril, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten dose.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

Taking more than your prescribed dose of ramipril can make you feel dizzy, sleepy and give you a pounding heartbeat (heart palpitations).

The amount of ramipril that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.