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Tablet

Ripril 1.25 mg Tablet

Generic: Ramipril

Manufacturer: Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Pabna

Therapeutic class: ACE Inhibitor (Antihypertensive)

What is Ripril?

Ripril 1.25 mg tablet is a medicine from Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Pabna that contains Ramipril, an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure and to protect the heart and kidneys after a heart attack or in diabetic patients.

Ramipril works by blocking an enzyme called ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme). This relaxes and widens your blood vessels, so blood flows more easily and the pressure inside the vessels falls. The heart does not have to pump as hard, which protects the heart, brain and kidneys from long-term damage caused by high blood pressure.

Indications

  • High blood pressure (hypertension) — alone or with other medicines
  • Heart failure — including after a heart attack
  • Cardiovascular protection — reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke in high-risk patients
  • Diabetic and non-diabetic kidney disease — to slow protein loss and kidney damage

Dosage & Administration

Your doctor will decide the right dose of Ripril based on your blood pressure, kidney function and other conditions. Treatment usually starts at a low dose, which is gradually increased every 2–4 weeks as needed.

  • It can be taken before or after food, at about the same time every day.
  • Swallow with water; do not crush unless advised.
  • If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is near — never take a double dose.

This is a long-term medicine. Never stop Ripril on your own, even if your blood pressure feels normal — it feels normal because the medicine is working.

Side Effects

Most people tolerate ramipril well. Possible side effects include:

  • Dry, persistent tickly cough — the best-known side effect; tell your doctor if it bothers you
  • Dizziness or light-headedness, especially after the first dose or when standing up quickly
  • Headache, tiredness
  • High blood potassium (may cause muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat)
  • Changes in kidney function tests
  • Rare but serious: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (angioedema) — stop the medicine and seek emergency care immediately

Precautions & Warnings

  • Check your blood pressure regularly and keep all follow-up appointments.
  • Your doctor may order blood tests for kidney function and potassium, especially after starting or changing the dose.
  • Rise slowly from sitting or lying to avoid dizziness; avoid driving until you know how the medicine affects you.
  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes or are dehydrated (vomiting/diarrhoea).
  • Avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium unless your doctor approves.
  • Inform any doctor or dentist that you take an ACE inhibitor before surgery or anaesthesia.

Drug Interactions

  • NSAID painkillers (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen): reduce the blood-pressure effect and can harm the kidneys
  • Potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone): risk of dangerously high potassium
  • Other blood pressure medicines, including ARBs (losartan, olmesartan): additive pressure drop; combining ACE inhibitor with ARB is generally avoided
  • Lithium: ramipril can raise lithium levels
  • Diabetes medicines and insulin: blood sugar may fall slightly lower
  • Sacubitril/valsartan: must not be combined — high angioedema risk

Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements and herbal products you use.

Contraindications

  • Allergy to ramipril or any other ACE inhibitor
  • History of angioedema (swelling of face, tongue or throat), with or without a known cause
  • Pregnancy — can seriously harm or kill the unborn baby
  • Severe narrowing of both kidney arteries (bilateral renal artery stenosis)
  • Use with sacubitril/valsartan or with aliskiren in diabetic patients

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Ramipril is contraindicated in pregnancy. It can cause serious kidney damage, low amniotic fluid and even death of the unborn baby, especially in the second and third trimesters. If you become pregnant or plan to conceive, tell your doctor immediately — the medicine will be switched to a pregnancy-safe alternative.

Lactation: Ramipril is not recommended while breastfeeding, particularly with newborn or premature babies, as safety data are limited. Your doctor can prescribe a better-studied alternative.

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in the original pack and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop Ripril when I feel better?

<p>No. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms — your pressure feels normal <strong>because</strong> Ripril is controlling it. Stopping on your own lets the pressure rise again silently, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney damage. Continue the medicine every day and only change or stop it on your doctor's advice.</p>

Why does Ripril cause a dry cough, and what should I do?

<p>A dry, tickly cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors like Ripril. It happens because the medicine increases a substance called bradykinin in the airways. The cough is harmless but can be annoying, and it goes away after the medicine is stopped. Do not stop on your own — tell your doctor, who may switch you to an ARB (such as losartan or olmesartan) that controls pressure similarly without the cough.</p>

Can I take Ripril during pregnancy?

<p>No. Ripril must not be taken during pregnancy. ACE inhibitors can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, including kidney failure, low amniotic fluid and death, particularly in the second and third trimesters. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or discover you are pregnant while taking it, contact your doctor immediately so the medicine can be changed to a safe alternative.</p>

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