Ramipril and pregnancy
Ramipril is not recommended in pregnancy. It can affect your baby's kidneys, especially if it's taken in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This can result in long-term damage to your baby's kidneys.
If you're already pregnant, stop taking ramipril and talk to your doctor straight away. Usually your doctor will be able to prescribe a different medicine that is safe to take in pregnancy. Ramipril should be stopped by the time you're 12 weeks pregnant at the latest.
Use contraception if you're taking ramipril and carefully plan any pregnancy with your GP, pregnancy specialist (obstetrician) or hospital doctor. They will want to review your medical condition and medicine before you get pregnant.
Most women stop taking ramipril before getting pregnant, but some may continue until they have a positive pregnancy test and then stop. Your doctor will discuss what's best for you, based on your medical condition and the risks and benefits of ramipril.
Ramipril and breastfeeding
You can take ramipril while breastfeeding, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. It's best not to take ramipril if your baby was born prematurely, but your doctor will help you decide.
It's not yet known how much ramipril passes into breast milk, but it's likely to be a low amount. It's unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. However, there's a very small risk that it could lower your baby's blood pressure. Your doctor might recommend a different medicine for you to take.
It's important to keep monitoring your baby if you're taking any medicine while breastfeeding.
Contact your healthcare professional or call 111 as soon as possible if you notice that your baby is:
- not feeding as well as usual, or not putting on weight as you expect
- unusually sleepy
- much paler than usual
- irritable
- having diarrhoea or is being sick (vomiting)
- peeing less (fewer wet nappies)
If your baby has any symptoms that are not listed, or if you're worried about them, you can also call 111 or contact any healthcare professional.
Ramipril and fertility
There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking ramipril reduces fertility in either men or women.
But if you're trying to get pregnant, talk to your doctor first as this medicine is not recommended in pregnancy.
Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:
- trying to get pregnant
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
For more information about how ACE inhibitors such as ramipril can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (Bumps) website.