Ramipril (Altace) for Managing Elevated Blood Pressure
What is Ramipril?
Ramipril brand name: Altace.
Ramipril (pronunciation: ra·mi·pril) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and reduce health risks caused by prolonged high blood pressure. This medication can also be used for treating heart failure and recovery after a heart attack.
Ramipril belongs to the drug class of ACE inhibitors. This means that it works by blocking a substance in the body that constricts blood vessels, allowing them to relax and for blood to flow easier.
Dosage
This medication is available in tablet form. It can be taken with food or without food at any time of day either once or twice daily. Ramipril max dose is 20 mg in one day. The dose range is 2.5 mg–20 mg in one day; this can be split into two doses.
Your healthcare provider will most likely begin you on ramipril 2.5 mg and increase depending on your responsiveness to the medication.
This medication has not been approved for use by anyone under the age of 18.
NOTE: this medication may cause serious fetal harm. Speak to your healthcare provider if you think you may be pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur in more than 1 in 100 people and are not serious and are usually simply due to the body adjusting to the new medication. However, if these symptoms persist for more than a few days or begin to irritate you, speak to your pharmacist or healthcare provider on how you can manage them:
- Dry cough
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Nausea/vomiting
- Mild rash
Serious Side Effects
These side effects are rare but could indicate serious health complications. If you experience any of the following, speak to your healthcare provider immediately.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Increased bruising or infections, fatigue, sore throat, and fever
- Severe stomach pains
- Swollen ankles and difficulty urinating or blood in urine
Ramipril withdrawal symptoms
Don’t suddenly stop your medication as this may cause blood pressure spikes, increasing your risk for a heart attack. If you wish to discontinue ramipril, speak to your healthcare provider first about alternative treatments.
Interactions
Be sure to speak to your healthcare provider about your current medications before starting ramipril and notify them of any new medications and changes to old medications. Ramipril may interact with the following medications:
- Medications that affect potassium
- Other blood pressure medications
- Diuretics
- Lithium
- NSAIDs
Ramipril and alcohol can interact and amplify the effects of ramipril, causing your blood pressure to become too low and making you feel lightheaded. It is best to stop drinking for the first couple days after beginning the medication or increasing your dose. Regular alcohol use can also contribute to high blood pressure. If you drink, try to stay below the recommended limit of 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.
Cost
The ramipril 10 mg price is on average $34.89 for a 1-month supply.
Get Ramipril for Less at Marley Drug
Marley Drug offers ramipril at a fraction of the cost with our Wholesale Price List. At Marley Drug, ramipril can cost you as little as $5.83/month plus free shipping to all 50 states on 6- and 12-month supplies.
Questions about Marley Drug or your medications? Contact us at 1 800-810-7790 and our pharmacy team will be happy to address any of your concerns.