Ramipril

Ramipril is a blood pressure medication, particularly well suited for high blood pressure or hypertension. There are numerous medical conditions for which your doctor may prescribe this drug, and you should only take it under the advisement of a doctor. Self-medication with such a potent drug can be dangerous and even lead to organ failure under some circumstances.How It WorksRamipril blocks an enzyme that converts angiotensin and that is responsible for increasing blood pressure. By blocking this enzyme, the drug can lower blood pressure and help the heart and surrounding components heal. Blood pressure, when it increases dramatically and stays high, can cause severe damage to the heart, arteries and affect many of the body’s functions. It puts undue stress on the body and can cause serious medical conditions over time.  By lowering your blood pressure through the use of an ACE inhibitor like Ramipril, you can help your heart last longer, prevent serious medical problems and strengthen your cardiovascular system.When It Is UsedThere are several different primary medical conditions for which Ramipril is used regularly. These include hypertension (high blood pressure), congestive heart failure and recovery from a heart attack or other serious heart problem. By decreasing your blood pressure, this drug is able to successfully treat these medical problems and safeguard your heart against future health issues. There may be other medical conditions for which your doctor could prescribe Ramipril. The ones listed here are simply the major ones for which the drug is prescribed.

Ramipril is marketed commercially as Altace. It is used to treat cardiovascular problems by working as an ACE inhibitor, that is inhibiting the angiotensin converting enzyme. Ramipril is used to improve cardiovascular health after a heart attack, treat heart failure and reduce high blood pressure.PrecautionsAll medicines have their side effects. Some affect patients whose bodies do not react well to the drug, and some affect patients who are taking dosage that is higher than recommended on a global standard. Patients who are allergic to any kind of ACE inhibitors, or who suffer from liver or kidney related diseases, need to avoid this medication. Pregnant women also need to stay away from Ramipril. Another precaution to take when taking this medication is to avoid alcohol, and taking salt or potassium supplements.Side Effects That Need Medical AttentionStandard dosage for adults in any treatment is a minimum of 2.5mg and a maximum of 20mg per day. Dosage higher than the recommended levels can induce side effects. There are different side effects that have been reported in patients, which are described briefly as following:Common Side EffectsThe first and foremost side effect that is experienced by patients as a result of Ramipril is due to its mechanism of action. Since Ramipril reduces blood pressure levels in the body, it initiates hypotension, or low blood pressure in the body. Patients who are not used to low blood pressure levels face signs and symptoms of hypotension.Patients also experience symptoms of weakness and tiredness as a side effect of Ramipril. These symptoms include feeling lightheaded, faint or dizzy. These symptoms are more common when the patient gets up to a standing position from a sitting or lying down position. Other common side effect includes excessive sweating. The patient might feel hot or extremely worked up. Often, Ramipril causes patients to experience blurred vision or a sudden state of confusion.Uncommon Side EffectsThese side effects are uncommon and rarely experienced by consumers. Uncommon side effects may include musculoskeletal pain; this includes pain in the jaw, back or arms. Feverish symptoms have also been reported in patients occasionally, which include cold sweats, chills and shivers. Urinary disorders have also been recorded in patients with the urine appearing cloudy, or a decrease in micturition levels overall. The urinary frequency and concentration decreases as a side effect of Ramipril at seldom.Other uncommon side effects include a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the chest, and chest discomfort or pain overall. Patients might also experience faster or irregular heartbeats and shortness of breath with the excessive intake of this drug.Side Effects That Do Not Require Medical AttentionThese side effects are more common, but do not require any medical attention. They are less serious, and they go away once the body adjusts to the medicine. However, if these side effects get worse, or if the patient is concerned, then a general physician must be consulted on safer side.Common Side EffectsOnset of cough is a very common side effect once the patient starts Ramipril. The cough is dry, and goes away in a week.Uncommon Side EffectsUncommon side effects that do not require medical attention include vomiting and nausea. Diarrhoea is also an initial but unwanted effect when patient starts Ramipril. Other side effect that patients complain about on occasional basis is the feeling of world spinning around the patient. The patient might feel dizzy, or feel conscious about the surrounding environment.If any of the side effects are reported or experienced under any reason, it is recommended that the patient seeks medical attention immediately.

Ramipril and AlcoholDoctors often prescribe Ramipril after a patient suffers from a heart attack. The medication helps to lower their blood pressure and allows the heart to heal following the attack. Ramipril is what is known as an ACE inhibitor. That means it blocks the angiotensin converting enzyme and keeps the blood pressure at a reasonable level.It can also be prescribed for congestive heart failure and hypertension, as treating high blood pressure helps with all these conditions. This medication will only work effectively if used as directed by your doctor. You should not attempt to take more or less than is recommended. Doing so can result in a dangerous overdose or it could make the medication ineffective and allow your blood pressure to increase to unsafe levels.Mixing with AlcoholYou want to make sure you never take Ramipril with alcohol. It’s well known that alcohol has an undesirable interaction with numerous medications, and Ramipril is simply another on the long list. The reason for avoiding alcohol while taking this drug is because they both have a similar effect on the body.Alcohol is known to lower your blood pressure and can cause your heart to beat at a slower rate. As it dulls your senses, it also makes you more relaxed. That may be fairly safe in small amounts, but when you combine it with a drug that does something very similar, then you are left with a very dangerous mixture.The two substances have a combined effect that can lower your blood pressure to very dangerous levels. This can cause all sorts of medical problems for you, slowing your heart rate down, making you drowsy and even making you unconscious. The lowered blood pressure can starve your body’s organs of much needed blood and oxygen. If that pressure drops very low for too long, your organs can start to fail, one by one. It’s only a matter of time before your body shuts down.Even moderate alcohol drinking can be dangerous when you are on Ramipril. If you have any other medical conditions or take any other medications, the effects can become even more severe and you may suffer from further complications.What to Do If You Mix ThemIt’s possible that you may forget the dangers of mixing the two substances. Or you may accidentally drink or eat something that has alcohol in it, and you were not aware it was present. You may only realize your mistake after you start to feel the symptoms of low blood pressure. You may notice that you feel light-headed, unsteady, sleepy or lethargic.You need to call for medical help as soon as you realise there is a problem. If there is anyone near you at the time, ask them to take you to the hospital. If you are alone, you should call for emergency assistance. It is not advisable to try to drive yourself to the hospital, if your blood pressure is dangerously low.You should pay attention to the warning signs and make sure you are aware of what they are. As soon as they start to show themselves, you should get help. The sooner you receive professional medical care, the more likely you are to make a full recovery from the incident.Talk with your doctor about the risks of taking Ramipril with alcohol and make sure you fully understand the potential danger that comes from mixing these substances.