Ramipril

What is Ramipril?

Ramipril is a capsule used to treat high blood pressure. It’s a generic medication. The branded version of it is called Tritace. It’s a type of medicine called an ACE inhibitor. It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, Ramipril relaxes the blood vessels. You’ll generally be advised to take it long term, and have your blood pressure monitored while you’re taking it to make sure it’s working.

High blood pressure can have serious negative effects on your health and lead to other complications. Ramipril reduces your blood pressure and minimises the risk of further complications happening.

High blood pressure is also called hypertension. It’s when the pressure in your blood vessels is too elevated, meaning your heart has to pump harder. It has a range of causes from age to lifestyle habits, like a poor diet or excessive drinking. People with high blood pressure have an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, arterial problems and other life-threatening conditions.

High blood pressure is most common in people over the age of 65, but anyone can suffer from it. You’re less likely to have high blood pressure and can even reverse the effects by living a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, increasing exercise, limiting alcohol and quitting smoking can all improve your blood pressure.

How does Ramipril work?

Ramipril is an agent called an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.

ACE inhibitors work on a hormone called angiotensin, stopping it from changing into angiotensin II. This is because angiotensin regulates blood pressure, while angiotensin II can raise it.

This is how ACE inhibitors like Ramipril reduce blood pressure and lower the risks of related health issues.

What doses of Ramipril are there?

There are four doses of Ramipril available: 1.25mg, 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg. You’ll usually be prescribed a lower dose to start with and move up to a higher dose if the medication isn’t lowering your blood pressure as expected.

To help our clinician know if the medication is working as it should, you’ll need to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking it.

How to take Ramipril

You should take Ramipril as instructed by our clinician. And if you have any questions, our clinician can help. Just sign in to your account and send them a message.

When taking Rampiril:

• take the medication at the same time every day.
• swallow the capsule whole. Do not chew or crush.
• you can take it with or without a meal.

How long does it take Ramipril to work?

It takes two to four hours for Ramipril to get to ‘peak levels’ in the bloodstream. So Ramipril should start to reduce blood pressure within a few hours. It may take a few weeks for it to become fully effective. If you're taking Ramipril for heart failure it could take a while longer before you feel the benefits.

Our clinician can help you check Ramipril is working for you. If you’re taking treatment for high blood pressure, you should check your blood pressure often to make sure it’s well controlled. You can do this with a blood pressure monitor at home.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Ramipril?

If you forget to take a dose of Ramipril, just skip it. Don’t take two capsules next time to make up for a missed dose. If you take too much Ramipril, get medical help right away.

Medically reviewed by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

on August 02, 2022.

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