side effects of ramipril

[francesw47]

I've been prescribed Ramipril, although never had problems with BP - understand ramipril is excellent in supporting heart function. Only taking 1.25mgs atm as GP waiting to see if I can 'tolerate' it. Since starting taking it a week ago I've had a blocked nose and am beginning to feel slightly 'chesty'. Also have slight cough (which I was expecting).

Has anyone else had this feeling of having a cold when taking this drug, and if so will it eventually go? I don't have a cold, don't feel feverish, just rather congested.

Many thanks

Frances

[cowparsley]

Yes had those side effects,cough became very irritating so GP prescribed Candesartan,Worked for me.Best discuss it with your GP.Good luck.

[francesw47 in reply to cowparsley]

Thanks! I'm only taking a very small 'starter' dose to see, but its Ramipril specifically the medics want me to take. I'm having a review in a couple of weeks so I'll talk to her then.

[cowparsley in reply to francesw47]

Hope you get the medication sorted xx

[Bingo88]

Hello francesw47, i was on ramipril 2,5 mg for 15 plus years. Never had any problems. Had the odd seasonal cough and cold. Nothing else. Was on them to help my kidney function. And B.P. But now on Doxazosin 2mg for kidneys disease and B.P. Had no problems with these either. All dont suit everyone sadly. Hope this is helpful. Keep well. And keep in touch. BRIAN

[sos007]

Ramipril is taken to reduce blood pressure, not improve heart function, although you can argue with a lower blood pressure heart function will be more efficient.

If you have never had a problem with BP as you noted, then why would your doctor recommend a blood-pressure lowering medication?

Normal BP is considered by most to be up to 135/85, with optimal BP being between, 110/70 and 120/80. BP can be as low as 90/60 and still be considered normal.

All drugs have side-effects and are, generally, band-aid solutions to acute medical symptoms.

If you have not already done so, I recommend you examine your diet and lifestyle and steer it toward the elimination of all sugars, processed foods and simple carbohydrates and the adoption of the Mediterranean Diet:

mayoclinic.org/healthy-life...

I also suggest, if you haven't already done so to adopt a daily exercise regimen at the very least of walking up to 60 minutes per day as your abilities permit.

Sleep is also integral to good health and you should strive toward 8 hours of sleep each night.

I did all of these things and lost 45 lbs to normalize my weight and get off all medications following a triple bypass and 2 angioplasties in 2015. You are not condemned to a lifetime of medications and medical appointments if you are able and prepared to make significant lifestyle changes.

Best of luck.

[francesw47 in reply to sos007]

Hi

Thanks for the advice. I am aware that Rampril is an ACE inhibitor and usually used to treat BP, but I am informed it is also part of the 'arsenal' for treating HF, along with beta blocker (no problems there) and dieuretic - which I use as and when necessary, as advised. This is new territory for me, so I'm very much at the learning stage.

My current problems were caused by various difficulties with aortic stenosis and surgeries following diagnosis of familial bicuspid valve. I really do not want to go into the details here, save to say I am now being investigated for HFPEF.

I have been diet conscious for many years and have exercised well for as long as I can remember, being variously a runner, distance swimmer and keen walker. Lifestyle factors can always be improved on, and I learn a lot from the support here and have taken up various suggestions particularly with regard diet.

As I would like to be able to get back to exercising normally, I am prepared to go along with anything the drs trial to encourage better heart function. Ramipril has caused some unpleasant side effects, and, as yet, no benefits. I will discuss alternatives with drs when I see them. Its early days yet, so a lot of 'try and see'. One thing for sure, I have no intentions of letting this define me!

Thanks for the advice all, I'll let you know how I get on.

[sos007 in reply to francesw47]

Best of luck and good health!

[Routemaster]

Hi! I too am on Ramipril for a heart problem - heart failure - and not to lower my blood pressure. Touch wood it is working well and I have no noticeable side effects.

Ann

[Madgranny2]

I have been on Ramipril for number of years now. I have not had any side effects.

[palmjet]

Hello, l am on 5mg Ramipril daily and have experienced similar symptoms - like having a bad head cold with painful sinuses and blocked ears which comes and goes almost every other day. I don’t know whether it’s the Ramipril or the bisoprolol that I’m also taking but it’s very frustrating and debilitating as I currently have to spend part of every day lying in bed!