Ramipril to Losartan: I’ve finally... - British Heart Fou...

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Ramipril to Losartan

Mirador19 profile image
18 Replies

I’ve finally decided to ask my Cardio nurse to change my 2.5mg Ramipril to something else (after 5years) she has recommended Losartan. I had the cough and was losing so much sleep due to coughing it was really affecting how I was feeling. I’m sure many of you have done this for the same reason, I’m just hoping it works. Can any of you share your experiences with switching from Ramipril to Losartan. I’m waiting for my new prescription to be ready. Many thanks.

Joan

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Mirador19
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18 Replies
MountainGoat52 profile image
MountainGoat52

Hi there,

My first BP medication was Ramipril and I had the dreaded cough. It was changed to Amlodipine which gave me all sorts of issues, not least difficulty with concentration. Rather than change to another medication in the same class, my GP prescribed Losartan. That was a decade ago and I'm still on it. I'm currently taking 25mg daily, but prior to my HA / stents / bypass was up to 100mg with no issues.

I have experienced other benefits from it in that it helped me avoid getting influenza when my wife had it. There was some research being undertaken as to its efficacy against covid, but I've not seen any results. I would say that I had fewer problems when my wife and I caught the Alpha variant last year, but that may be just incidental.

All round, Losartan gets a 👍from me.

Regards,

Gerald

Mirador19 profile image
Mirador19 in reply toMountainGoat52

Hi Gerald. Thank you for your reply I am really hoping that is going to be my response to Losartan, I stuck with it as my Dr in Spain just said I will have to put up with it, so I did, it wasn't till I moved back to Spain that I realised I could change. I will let you know how it goes when I change over to Losartan.

Joan

Badbywoods profile image
Badbywoods

I too started on ramipril and suffered horrendous coughing. Eventually got changed to Losartin and have no problems at all. I was advised to take it at night because cause dizziness. Hope you soon feel better, the cough stopped after 3 days of taking Losartin

Mirador19 profile image
Mirador19 in reply toBadbywoods

Thank you for your reply Babywoods. I am really looking forward to taking it now, I was initially a bit worried but it has got to be worth a try after all this time with lack of sleep.

Mirador19 profile image
Mirador19

Thank you Happy Jo, I will report back with my results.

Alison_L profile image
Alison_L

I switched to Candesartan (same family as Losartan), with no new side effects.

Mirador19 profile image
Mirador19 in reply toAlison_L

Thank you for your reply Alison_L. I'm looking forward to being cough free.

Bat-n-Ball profile image
Bat-n-Ball

I changed from Ramipril to Losartan over a year ago because of the cough Ramipril was causing and I haven't looked back.

My personal experience is that the cough completely went and I have absolutely zero side effects from Losartan.

I'm puzzled as to why doctors don't prescribe Losartan over Ramipril in the first place.

Mirador19 profile image
Mirador19 in reply toBat-n-Ball

It does make you wonder why they still use it doesn’t it. I was silly to have left it so long but I now ask more questions. Thank you for your reply, all replies are so positive I hope I follow suit.

Chambo_4 profile image
Chambo_4

I don't have the experience with swapping from another medication as Losartan was the first medication I was put on earlier this year. I'm on 50mg and I haven't noticed any side effects

Mirador19 profile image
Mirador19

Sounds good Chambo_4, I think my prescription will be ready tomorrow so fingers crossed. Thank you for your reply.

fit4walks profile image
fit4walks

Hi,I switched after developing a cough and have never looked back.👍

Mirador19 profile image
Mirador19

👍 Thank you for your reply.

Mirador19 profile image
Mirador19

Good morning, I am reporting back on my change from ramipril to Losartan. It's been a week now and the cough has almost disappeared. I just wish I had changed a few years ago. Thank you all once again for your replies to my original post.

Joan x

Lulu2607 profile image
Lulu2607 in reply toMirador19

Hi Joan. I've just found your post as I was searching for info on Losartan. I was very ill on Ramipril, as I developed angioedema, swelling in my throat etc. and a very adverse effect on my kidneys. I didn't want any BP meds after that but I'm now being advised to try Losartan. I am very wary but your post and others replies have helped reassure me. I'm glad you're coping OK on it. Thank you for posting.

Mirador19 profile image
Mirador19 in reply toLulu2607

Good morning Lulu2607. I am happy with Losartan I hope you have the same reaction, let us know how you get on with taking it. Good luck and Merry Christmas.

Gertied0g profile image
Gertied0g

I have just been swapped from ramipril to losartan. The doctor has put me straight on to 100 gms per day but I keep reading that you should start with 50 gms. I am feeling really tired, a bit woozy and quite tearful which is very strange for me.

Hendeiskotland profile image
Hendeiskotland

I have also started Losartan as I was on Ramiprill and also had the most horrible cough.I started on 20mg 5 days ago, I do feel very breathless has anybody else had that experience?Also can anybody tell me how long it took to get blood pressure down, as mine is still too high

Thank you very much

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