How and when to take ramipril

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.