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Apo-Ramipril

(ramipril (generics))

In this factsheet:
• How does Apo-Ramipril work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Apo-Ramipril?
• What form(s) does Apo-Ramipril come in?
• Who should NOT take Apo-Ramipril?
• What side effects are possible with Apo-Ramipril?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Ramipril?
• What other drugs could interact with Apo-Ramipril?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

Are you at risk for a stroke?

Every 10 minutes on average, a Canadian has a stroke. Could you be next? There are many things that increase your risk of a stroke (called stroke risk factors).

Stroke risk factors

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Some are things you can't control:

• age over 65
• male gender (women are also at risk after menopause)
• family history of stroke
• First Nations, African, or South Asian ancestry
• personal history of a stroke or TIA ("mini-stroke")

Fortunately, there are also many things you may be able to control:

Lifestyle issues:

• being overweight
• drinking too much alcohol (more than 2 drinks per day or 10 drinks per week for women or more than 3 drinks per day or 15 drinks per week for men)
• unhealthy diet (low in fruits and vegetables and high in sodium and saturated or trans fat)
• lack of physical activity
• smoking
• stress

Getting these medical conditions under control can go a long way toward reducing the risk of a stroke.

• atrial fibrillation
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol

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Some people may have other risk factors for stroke. Talk to your doctor to find out if you're at risk of a stroke, and what you can do to reduce your risk.

To find out your risk of a stroke in the next 10 years, use the stroke risk assessment calculator.

Other resources about stroke risk reduction:

• Stroke and atrial fibrillation: are you at risk?
• Why is stroke risk reduction so important?
• When to see your doctor

How does Apo-Ramipril work? What will it do for me?

Ramipril belongs to the class of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure, alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics (water pills). It works by relaxing and opening blood vessels to lower blood pressure.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Apo-Ramipril?

The recommended adult dose of ramipril ranges from 2.5 mg to 20 mg daily in 1 or 2 divided doses, depending on the dose and individual circumstances such as your response to the medication.

To treat high blood pressure, the usual starting dose for people not using diuretics (water pills) is 2.5 mg once daily. The dose is usually increased according to need every 2 weeks. The usual dose range is 2.5 mg to 10 mg daily. For people using diuretics, your doctor may start with a lower dose of 1.25 mg daily or ask you to stop using the diuretic for 2 or 3 days before starting ramipril.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Apo-Ramipril come in?

1.25 mg
Each No. 4, white/yellow capsule, imprinted "APO 1.25", contains ramipril 1.25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate (spray-dried), magnesium stearate and talc; capsule shell: gelatin, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide; edible black ink: black iron oxide, butyl alcohol, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, potassium hydroxide, shellac, and strong ammonia solution.

2.5 mg
Each No. 4, white/orange capsule, imprinted "APO 2.5", contains ramipril 2.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate (spray-dried), magnesium stearate, and talc; capsule shell: D&C Red No. 28, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide; edible black ink: black iron oxide, butyl alcohol, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, shellac, and strong ammonia solution.

5 mg
Each No. 4, white/red capsule, imprinted "APO 5", contains ramipril 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate (spray-dried), magnesium stearate, and talc; capsule shell: D&C Red No. 28, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, and titanium dioxide; edible black ink: black iron oxide, butyl alcohol, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, shellac, and strong ammonia solution.

10 mg
Each No. 4, white/blue capsule, imprinted "APO 10", contains ramipril 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate (spray-dried), magnesium stearate, and talc; capsule shell: black iron oxide, D&C Red No. 28, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, and titanium dioxide; edible black ink: black iron oxide, butyl alcohol, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, shellac, and strong ammonia solution.

15 mg
Each No. 3, light gray/powder blue capsule, imprinted "APO 15", contains ramipril 15 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate (spray-dried), magnesium stearate, and talc; capsule shell: gelatin, D&C Red No. 28, FD & C Blue No. 1, and titanium dioxide.

Who should NOT take Apo-Ramipril?

Ramipril should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to ramipril or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is breast-feeding
• is pregnant
• has had angioedema (a serious allergic reaction that causes the area around the throat and tongue to swell)
• has low blood pressure
• has narrowing of the blood vessels to the kidneys

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