Ramipril

What it is

Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor taken by prescription for cardiovascular conditions. By blocking the formation of angiotensin II it widens blood vessels and lowers the pressure the heart pumps against. It is used in high blood pressure and in heart failure.

Used for

• Hypertension
• Heart failure

What to know while taking it

Food does not matter much; taking it at the same time each day does. Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen work against its blood-pressure effect and share kidney risk with it, and spironolactone taken alongside compounds the drug's own tendency to raise potassium, as do salt substitutes based on potassium. Potassium, creatinine and eGFR are checked periodically for that reason. The dry cough listed as a warning comes from the class itself and is not dangerous, and use in pregnancy is avoided because of damage to the fetal kidneys.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor for palpitations, marked muscle weakness or tingling, or a clear drop in urine output, all of which may reflect high potassium or worsening kidney function. Sudden swelling of the face, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing, is an emergency. Pregnancy, or planning one, should be discussed with a doctor before anything is changed.

Worth knowing

• Can raise potassium
• Dry cough is a known effect
• Not during pregnancy

Markers to watch

• Potassium
• Creatinine
• eGFR

Nutrients affected

• potassium — raised by (Potassium)