Angiotensin Converting Enzyme

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) drugs such as Ramipril are indicated to reduce the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction or cardiovascular-related deaths. However, there are adverse reactions to the use of Ramipril which you should know before using it.

Ramipril is a drug belonging to the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) group of medicines. The drug, marketed under the brand name Altace, is indicated for patients who have a high risk of cardiovascular diseases due to a history of stroke, coronary artery disease, diabetes or peripheral vascular disease or show signs of at least one cardiovascular risk factor such as elevated total cholesterol levels, hypertension, cigarette smoking, microalbuminuria or low HDL levels.

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Benefits

Ramipril is used to reduce but not eliminate the risk of myocardial infarction, cardiovascular-related death or stroke. The drug is also used to treat hypertension and can be combined with thiazide diuretics. It is also known to treat congestive heart failure and to improve a patient's survival after a heart attack.

To reduce the risk of stroke or myocardial infarction, it should be taken at an initial dose of 2.5 milligram daily for 7 days, 5 milligram daily for 3 weeks, gradually increasing in dosage as tolerated. Maintenance dosage is 10 milligrams daily.

Safety Precautions

Pregnant women should not takeRamipril. Also, drinking alcoholic beverages is not advisable while taking this medication because it can cause low blood pressure while increasing the side effects of the drug. And consult your doctor if you have to use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while usingRamipril.

If you are planning or requiring a surgery, tell your doctor about it. Furthermore, if you are allergic to any ACE inhibitor such as benazepril, captopril, quinapril, fosinopril, enalapril, moexipril, perindopril, trandolapril or lisinopril, then you should avoid this medication.

Clinical Side Effects:

There are some clinical side effects that are possibly or probably related to the use of Ramipril. These side effects are headache, asthenia or fatigue, impotence, cough, dizziness, upper respiratory infection, symptomatic hypotension, anaphylactoid reactions, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, angioneurotic edema, hepatic failure, jaundice, hepatitis, abdominal pain, pancreatitis, anorexia, diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation, hypersensivity reactions or anxiety.

Lastly, while taking this drug, avoid sudden movements especially getting up from a lying or sitting position to avoid the feeling of dizziness.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme

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