What it is used for

High blood pressure
Heart failure
After a heart attack
Preventing heart attacks and strokes in people at higher risk
Kidney disease, especially in people with diabetes

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Ramipril is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Ramipril blocks an enzyme that makes angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels. With less of it, blood vessels relax and widen, blood pressure falls and the heart does not have to work as hard.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Ramipril can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

a dry
tickly cough
feeling dizzy
headache
feeling tired
feeling sick

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (angioedema). Call 999
yellowing of the skin or eyes
peeing much less than usual
a skin rash, or a sore throat with a high temperature

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

You need blood tests to check your kidneys and potassium.
Pause it if you are being sick or have diarrhoea and cannot drink (sick day rules). Ask your doctor.
Not suitable in pregnancy.
Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.