Always follow your doctor's advice, and the instructions that come with your medicine.
Dosage and how to take ramipril
Dosage
The dose of ramipril you take depends on why you need the medicine. Take it how your doctor tells you to.
To decide the correct dose for you, your doctor will check your blood pressure.
You may also have blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working and the amount of potassium in your blood.
Depending on why you're taking ramipril, the usual starting dose is between 1.25mg and 2.5mg once a day. You'll usually be prescribed a low dose of ramipril at first so it does not make you feel dizzy.
This will be increased gradually over a few weeks to the usual dose for your condition.
The maximum dose is 5mg twice a day or 10mg once a day.
How to take it
You'll usually take ramipril once or twice a day.
Your doctor may suggest that you take your first dose before bedtime because it can make you feel dizzy.
After the first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take ramipril at any time during the day. Try to take it at the same time every day.
You can take ramipril with or without food. Swallow ramipril tablets or capsules whole with a drink of water.
If you're taking ramipril as a liquid, it will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
Changes to your dose
You'll probably be prescribed a low dose of ramipril at first so it does not make you feel dizzy.
This will usually be increased gradually until you reach the right dose for you.
When you first start taking it, you may be prescribed a pack that contains tablets of 3 different strengths of ramipril (2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg). Your doctor will tell you which strength to take, how often to take it, and when or if you need to increase your dose.
How long to take it for
Treatment with ramipril is often long term. Many people take it for years, but it should be reviewed regularly with your doctor.
Important
Keep taking ramipril even if you feel well, as you will still be getting the benefits of the medicine.
If you get ill while taking it
Contact your doctor if you get ill while taking ramipril with symptoms such as:
- a high temperature
- sweating and shaking
- being sick (vomiting) or severe diarrhoea
They may advise you stop taking ramipril until you feel better and are eating and drinking normally.
If you forget to take it
If you miss a dose of ramipril, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for the forgotten dose.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
Taking more than your prescribed dose of ramipril can make you feel dizzy, sleepy and make your heartbeat more noticeable (heart palpitations).
The amount of ramipril that can cause an overdose varies from person to person.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take more than your prescribed dose of ramipril
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the ramipril packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
Stopping ramipril
Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking ramipril.
Stopping ramipril may cause your blood pressure to rise. This may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, or of your kidney damage getting worse.
If you're bothered by side effects, your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medicine.