Ramipril is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, heart attacks (myocardial infarction), and other cardiovascular conditions. Ramipril is part of a family of drugs known as ACE inhibitors, which help blood vessels to relax and expand, lowering your blood pressure and reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Almost half of all Americans have high blood pressure, a condition when the blood flowing through your body pushes too hard against the walls of your veins. This can lead to a variety of health problems such as stroke, heart attack, aneurysm, metabolic syndrome, and issues with memory such as dementia.

Ramipril is a medication that doctors commonly prescribe to manage high blood pressure in patients. The good news is that high blood pressure is as treatable as it is common. Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that can help with congestive heart failure and proteinuric kidney diseases. It may also be used to reduce the risk of death in patients who have had a heart attack.

Ramipril has been found to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack in diabetic patients with high blood pressure.

Ramipril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and works by blocking the formation of a hormone that narrows arteries and increases blood pressure. Ramipril is not for immediate relief of high blood pressure.

It should be noted that ramipril should be used as part of a complete therapy program, and is not sufficient to fully bring high blood pressure under control. Drugs like ramipril work best when combined with diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.

While you may experience some common side effects while taking ramipril, it is important to remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because its benefits - bringing your blood pressure back under control - outweigh its side effects.

However, some adverse effects may occur while taking ramipril, including:

Vomiting Upset stomach Cough Weakness Dizziness Excessive tiredness Headache

If any side effects persist or become severe, tell your doctor.

More serious side effects of ramipril may include:

Signs of infection including fever, chills, and sore throat Feeling lightheaded Swelling of the lower legs (including feet and ankles) Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes Swelling of the hands Jaundice of the eyes and skin Fainting Hoarseness Difficulty breathing or swallowing

If you believe you are experiencing serious side effects of ramipril, contact your doctor immediately.

Ramipril usually begins to work within an hour. While the effects work quickly, it may take several weeks before you notice peak benefits while taking ramipril for blood pressure. It is important to discuss with your doctor how long you should take ramipril.

Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking before you start taking ramipril as there may be dangerous side effects from coadministration of ramipril and other drugs.

If you are taking ramipril for high blood pressure and are not already on a diuretic, the usual starting dose of ramipril is 2.5 mg, taken once daily. The typical continued dosage of ramipril is from 2.5 to 20 mg, taken once per day in a single dose or divided into two doses. The dosage may be adjusted based on your response to the medication.

If you are taking ramipril and have a high risk of heart attack or stroke, your starting dosage will likely start around 2.5 twice daily (5 mg per day). If you are particularly sensitive to the medication your doctor may switch you to 1.25 mg twice daily (2.5 mg per day).

Your starting dosage depends on your age and the reasons you are taking ramipril. Your doctor will help you determine what starting dosage is right for you.

Ramipril is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not ramipril is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Yes! Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your clinician.