Ramipril Viatris (Ramipril)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ramipril Viatris Used For?
Ramipril Viatris contains ramipril, which belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It’s used to treat several heart and blood vessel conditions.
Primary Uses
Ramipril Viatris treats high blood pressure (hypertension), heart conditions such as heart failure after a heart attack, and kidney problems in some patients. It’s also used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems in patients aged 55 years or more with heart or blood vessel disease, or diabetes.
How It Works
Ramipril Viatris works by widening your blood vessels, which reduces pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This increases oxygen supply to your heart and improves blood flow to your kidneys, helping them work more efficiently.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Ramipril Viatris
Your doctor will decide how many tablets you need to take each day based on your condition and other medicines you may be taking.
Dosage Instructions
The usual doses are: for high blood pressure, 2.5 mg to 10 mg per day; for heart failure, 5 mg to 10 mg per day; for kidney problems, 1.25 mg to 5 mg per day; for cardiovascular risk, 2.5 mg to 10 mg per day. Swallow tablets with plenty of fluid. Can be taken before or after meals. Take at about the same time each day.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and then go back to your normal schedule.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase your chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Feeling dizzy, light-headed, faint
- Dry cough
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Unusual tiredness, weakness
- Ringing or buzzing in ears
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Disturbed vision
- Symptoms of sunburn occurring more quickly
- Itchy or raised skin rash, hives
- Yellowing of skin and/or eyes
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath or chest tightness
- Severe upper stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
- Frequent infections with fever, chills, sore throat
- Passing little or no urine, or more than normal
- Signs of anaemia (tiredness, shortness of breath, pale appearance)
- Numbness, tingling and colour changes in fingers or toes when cold
- Bleeding or bruising more easily
- Fainting within hours of taking dose
- Chest pain
- Severe dizziness with confusion and visual/speech problems
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat with difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Pink or red itchy spots that may blister
- Severe blisters and bleeding in lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
Important Warnings
There are several important situations where you should not take Ramipril Viatris, and conditions you should discuss with your doctor before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Ramipril Viatris
Do not take if you’re allergic to ramipril or other ACE inhibitors; have had swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat from ACE inhibitors; have family history of unexplained swelling; have kidney artery stenosis; have heart valve problems; are pregnant or breastfeeding; undergo dialysis with certain membranes; or have low blood pressure.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, heart problems, diabetes, low blood pressure, low white blood cell count, high potassium levels, autoimmune conditions, or family history of swelling. Also mention if you follow extreme salt diets, are dehydrated, or plan surgery.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Ramipril Viatris if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, as it may affect your developing baby. Do not take if breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and affect your baby.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may be affected by Ramipril Viatris or may affect how well it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- Other blood pressure medicines
- Diuretics (water tablets)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors)
- Potassium supplements or salt substitutes
- Lithium
- Insulin and diabetes tablets
- Heparin
- General anaesthetics
- Blood cell affecting medicines (allopurinol, procainamide, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, cancer medicines)
- Appetite control medicines, asthma medicines, cold/cough medicines
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with alcohol and driving while taking Ramipril Viatris, as it may cause dizziness and affect your ability to drive safely.
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse. Your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Ramipril Viatris affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness, light-headedness, tiredness or drowsiness. Make sure you know how you react before driving or doing anything dangerous.
Storage
Keep Ramipril Viatris where children cannot reach it, preferably in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 metres above ground. Keep tablets in the original pack until time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place protected from light, where temperature stays below 25°C. Do not store in bathroom, near sink, in car, or on window sills, as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Ramipril Viatris, immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms. You may need urgent medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include feeling dizzy, light-headed, weak, fainting, or experiencing slow heartbeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Continue taking Ramipril Viatris for as long as your doctor tells you. It helps control your condition but does not cure it, so you must take it every day as prescribed.
Yes, Ramipril Viatris can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the tablets with plenty of fluid.
No, Ramipril Viatris is not addictive.
Get up slowly, especially when getting out of bed or chairs. This helps your body adjust to changes in position and blood pressure. If the problem continues or gets worse, talk to your doctor.
If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse. Your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Ramipril Viatris if you plan to have surgery requiring general anaesthetic, as your blood pressure may drop suddenly during anaesthesia.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly as instructed by your doctor to make sure Ramipril Viatris is working. Your doctor may also occasionally do blood tests to check your potassium level and kidney function.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.