Ramipril Solution

What is this medication?

RAMIPRIL (ra MI pril) treats high blood pressure and heart failure. It can be used to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with heart or peripheral artery disease. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or scleroderma
• Diabetes
• Have had angioedema, swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with trouble breathing or swallowing
• Having surgery
• Heart or blood vessel conditions
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low blood pressure
• An unusual or allergic reaction to ramipril, insect venom, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Sacubitril; valsartan
• Tranylcypromine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aliskiren
• Diuretics
• Everolimus
• Lithium
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Potassium supplements
• Salt substitutes
• Sirolimus
• Supplements, such as hawthorn
• Temsirolimus

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Ask your care team if there are other changes you can make to improve your overall health.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

This medication may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you get up from sitting or lying down. You may feel dizzy or faint. Move slowly and have something sturdy to hold onto when you stand.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your care team.

Tell your care team if you are taking medication to treat diabetes, such as insulin or glipizide. This may increase your risk of low blood sugar. Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to treat it.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious fetal side effects can occur if you take this medication during the second and third trimesters. Discuss other treatment options with your care team. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
• High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Cough
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store the unopened bottle in the refrigerator. After the bottle is opened, store it at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Get rid of any unused medication after 60 days after opening the bottle.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.