DH changed to Ramipril for BP

Don't know about heavy duty, but my DH was on a cocktail of drugs for blood pressure, including Ramipril. The only side effect he suffered was a persistent cough and clearing of the throat.

I had slightly high bp, and was prescribed 2.5mg of Ramipril, which has since been increased to 5.0mg. I don't think you should worry, but then I have virtually no medical knowledge...

Yes all fine

My hubby been on ramipril for years, was the one he was started on, and never had any blood tests to do with it.

I don’t really understand why a dentist is prescribing and changing blood pressure medications. Only a doctor should do that.

I've been on Ramipril for a few years, nobody has ever said I should have blood tests. I've never had any problems with them.

If you read the warnings / side effects of any medication, you'll find potential disasters for everything !

My Dad had been taking 5mg Rampiril for years.
Recently he'd had a few dizzy spells and a couple of falls on standing up, as his BP was too low, so it's been reduced to 2.5mg.
BP now steady whether sitting or standing.
Dad doesn't have regular blood tests so I can't comment on that requirement.

The NHS site states, "You may also have blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working and the amount of potassium in your blood."

A lot of people on Ramipril may well be having their bloods tested regularly if they are diabetic which includes kidney function and potassium levels. Unless you have had kidney problems, you may not need tests.

Thank you all. Blossoming it was the gp who changed the prescription after dh was told by the dentist that he should stop his current meds and was changed to Ramipril during a phone conversation.
Curious that the blood tests are so high profile yet none of you have had them. Thank you.

Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor, as are all drugs ending with -ril.

A cough/dry throat is a very common side effect. I had this and was changed to an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) - cough gone.

ACE inhibitors and ARBs can cause liver or kidney problems, so it's probably good practice to have regular blood tests. I have them every year and I'm always grateful to know that my liver, kidneys and most other bits of me are working well.

silverlining Does your dh have problems with his gums because Amlodipine can cause gum problems?

Silverlining I’m on seven BP meds and have blood tests every 6 months for electrolytes, liver and kidney function.

I have been on Ramipril for years, regular blood tests at GP. No problems. Am now on Ramipril and Anlodipine, still no problems and regular blood tests.

I am on the highest dose of Ramipril and have what is known and has been mentioned already as the "Ramipril cough". I have to be extra careful because Ramipril can cause dizziness. I have my kidney function checked annually.

I've been on 10mg of Ramipril for years. My husband takes 5mg. No side effects here.

Have been taking 1 x10mg Ramipril for years never had any problems with it and still taking it. They gave me Amlodipine some years ago can't remember when but 2 years ago had to stop the Amlodipine as I was diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and Amlodipine could make it worse . Still taking 1 x 10 mg Ramipril,plus 50mg Flecainide twice a day and 5 mg Apixaban twice a day . Just had bloods done everything is fine .

MrOops has been on Ramipril for years with no problems.

I’ve just been put on Amlodopine, not sure why we have different Meds.

NOOOOOOO! Ramipril is EVIL!

I was taken off it after my whole face swelled up like a balloon one morning. I'd had lesser incidences of swellings around the mouth. I don't know if it reacted with anything I ate but Ramipril was certainly the culprit.

I've been on Losartan potassium ever since.

Amlodopine is what my dh has been on fir some years without problem but the dentist said swelling of the gums and mouth are a side effect, so that’s the reason fir the temporary change, but now Lady H has had bad facial / mouth swelling after taking Ramipril.
Also still dont understand that he needs blood tests while on it temporarily when no one else has them. All rather confusing but grateful fir the comments. Thanks all.

silverlining48

Amlodopine is what my dh has been on fir some years without problem but the dentist said swelling of the gums and mouth are a side effect, so that’s the reason fir the temporary change, but now Lady H has had bad facial / mouth swelling after taking Ramipril.
Also still dont understand that he needs blood tests while on it temporarily when no one else has them. All rather confusing but grateful fir the comments. Thanks all.

Yes, some people have had blood tests. Personally, I wouldn't be happy to take any new drug without blood tests.

Some pharmacists can and do prescribe medication:

www.pharmacyregulation.org/education/pharmacist-independent-prescriber

My H has been on Ramipril for years with no side effects.

My DH has been on Ramipril for about 10 years, with annual blood tests and health reviews.

The only side effects he's had are a runny nose and an intolerance for wine, which is no great hardship as we have never been great wine drinkers (I'd rather have a G&T and he prefers a single malt!)

I'm concerned about the long term use of Ramipril as an ACEI elevating the risk of lung cancer. I was put on it in France in my 40s. My GPs attitude here is to stick with what is working for hypertension in order to avoid strokes.

NOOOOOOO! Ramipril is EVIL!.

Irresponsible post. Just because Ramipril didn’t suit you it doesn’t mean it will cause serious side effects for others.

I’ve been taking it for 18 months and feel feel really well on it. The Ramipril cough comes and goes at brief intervals but I hardly notice it.

I was on Ramipril for a while, no obvious side effects, but I had to be taken off it because I already have a low blood platelet count. The hospital doctor discovered it was bringing my platelets right down. I'm now on Losartan (i.e. potassium) and Doxasosin.