Ramipril

High blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, prevention of heart attack and stroke, and kidney protection in diabetes.

Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor. It blocks an enzyme that produces a chemical called angiotensin II, which narrows blood vessels. By blocking it, your blood vessels relax and widen, blood pressure falls, and your heart doesn't have to work as hard.

Adults with high blood pressure, heart failure, or those at high cardiovascular risk. Also prescribed after heart attacks. Not suitable during pregnancy or if you have a history of angioedema.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Ramipril from £20.99 per pack.

Common: persistent dry cough (affects up to 15% of patients), dizziness, headache, fatigue. Uncommon: taste disturbance, rash. Rare but serious: angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat) - seek emergency medical help immediately.

Do not take if you have a history of angioedema. Do not use in pregnancy (especially 2nd and 3rd trimester). Not for use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment. Avoid in bilateral renal artery stenosis.

Risk of dangerously high potassium with potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, amiloride) or potassium supplements. NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can reduce effectiveness and increase kidney risk. Lithium levels may increase - monitor closely.

Contraindicated in pregnancy - can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters (kidney damage, low amniotic fluid, skull defects). Stop immediately if pregnancy is confirmed. Not recommended during breastfeeding.

Start on a low dose, usually 1.25mg or 2.5mg, increasing gradually. A dry cough is the most common side effect -- if it bothers you, your doctor can switch you to an ARB instead. Dizziness on standing is possible early on. Kidney function blood tests needed after starting and periodically.

Ramipril is made as both tablets and capsules. We may supply either, and both contain the same medicine at the same dose. The pack size beside each strength says which one we are dispensing.