Consumer medicine information

APO-Ramipril Tablets

Ramipril

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

APO-Ramipril Tablets

Active ingredient

Ramipril

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using APO-Ramipril Tablets.

SUMMARY CMI

APO-Ramipril

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using APO-Ramipril?

APO-Ramipril contains the active ingredient ramipril. APO-Ramipril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), some heart conditions, such as heart failure after a heart attack, kidney problems in some patients.

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using APO-Ramipril? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use APO-Ramipril?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Ramipril or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use APO-Ramipril? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with Ramipril and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use APO-Ramipril?

  • Your doctor will tell you how many tablets you will need to take, depending on your conditions and whether you are taking any other medicines.
  • If two tablets are prescribed, your doctor may want you to take both together or at different times.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use APO-Ramipril? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using APO-Ramipril?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Ramipril.
  • If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor, and pharmacist that you are taking ramipril.
Things you should not do
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly or change the dosage, without first checking with your doctor
Driving or using machinesRamipril may cause dizziness, light-headedness, tiredness, or drowsiness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to ramipril before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous
Drinking alcoholAlcohol may have effects when consumed while taking Ramipril. Your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.
Looking after your medicine
  • Keep your medicine in its pack until it is time to take it.
  • If you take your medicine out of its pack it may not keep well.
  • Keep your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature is below 25°C.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using APO-Ramipril? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Side effects of Ramipril include feeling light-headed, dizzy or faint, persistent dry cough and/or ticking cough, headache, feeling sick, reflux, stomach pain or discomfort, diarrhoea, indigestion, muscle cramps.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

APO-Ramipril

Active ingredient(s): Ramipril

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using Ramipril. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Ramipril.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using APO-Ramipril?
2. What should I know before I use APO-Ramipril?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use APO-Ramipril?
5. What should I know while using APO-Ramipril?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using APO-Ramipril?

APO-Ramipril contains the active ingredient ramipril. Ramipril belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitors.

APO-Ramipril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), some heart conditions, such as heart failure after a heart attack, kidney problems in some patients.

APO-Ramipril is also used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems and complications in patients aged 55 year or more with heart or blood vessels disease, or diabetes.

High blood pressure

Everyone has blood pressure. This pressure helps get your blood all around your body. Your blood pressure may be different at different times of the day and can be influenced by how busy or worried you are. You have high blood pressure when your blood pressure stays higher than is needed, even when you are calm and relaxed.

There are usually no symptoms of high blood pressure. The only way of knowing that you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, including stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.

Heart failure after a heart attack

APO-Ramipril may be used after a heart attack, which occurs when one of the major blood vessels supplying blood to your heart becomes blocked. This means that your heart muscle cannot receive the oxygen it needs and becomes damaged. This may lead to further problems, such as heart failure, irregular heart rhythms and blood clots.

Heart failure means that the heart muscle is weak and cannot pump blood strongly enough to supply all the blood needed throughout the body. Heart failure is not the same as heart attack and does not mean that the heart stops. Heart failure may start off with no symptoms, but as the condition progresses, patients may feel short of breath or may get tired easily after light physical activity, such as walking. Some patients may wake up short of breath at night. Fluid may collect in different parts of the body, often first noticed as swollen ankles and feet.

Kidney problems

Some conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can lead to kidney problems. These problems develop slowly over several years. Good control of your blood sugar and blood pressure are important in keeping your kidneys healthy but may not always prevent kidney damage from occurring.

Prevention of Cardiovascular problems and complications

APO-Ramipril may be used to reduce the risk of some of the problems and complications that may arise in patients aged 55 years or more who have problems such as coronary artery disease (heart disease caused by poor blood flow in the blood vessels of the heart), peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in the hands or feet) or stroke.

Patient with Diabetes

APO-Ramipril may also be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems and complications in patients with diabetes aged 55 years or more who may be considered at risk because they have one or more additional risk factors (e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, kidney problems, a current smoker or previous disease of the blood vessels).

2. What should I know before I use APO-Ramipril?

Warnings

Do not use APO-Ramipril if:

  • you are allergic to ramipril, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  • Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
  • Have any of the following medical conditions:
    - kidney problems, or are having dialysis (your doctor may give you ramipril because of your kidney problems)
    - liver problems
    - heart problems (your doctor may give you ramipril because of your heart problems)
    - low blood pressure, which you may notice as dizziness or light-headedness.
    - Low white blood cell counts
    - diabetes (note: your doctor may give you ramipril because of your diabetes)
    - high levels of potassium in your blood
    - you are taking other medicines that have a risk of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, intestines, hands or feet)
    - you are following a very low or very high salt diet
    - you are dehydrated, or have had a recent bout of vomiting or diarrhoea
    - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma or other autoimmune conditions
    - you are planning to have surgery or an anaesthetic
    - plan to become pregnant or breastfeed

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have any other medical conditions.
  • take any medicines for any other condition

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with Ramipril and affect how it works.

  • sacubitril/valsartan or other neprilysin inhibitors, used for heart failure
  • other medicines used to treat high blood pressure, including those containing the active ingredient aliskiren
  • diuretics, also known as fluid or water tablets
  • lithium, used to treat mood swings and depression
  • potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), used to relieve pain and inflammation
  • insulin and tablets used to treat diabetes
  • heparin
  • general anaesthetics
  • medicines affecting blood cells (e.g. allopurinol, procainamide, corticosteroids, cancer treatments, immunosuppressants)
  • temsirolimus
  • if you are taking APO-Ramipril for high blood pressure, do not take any medicines (including the ones bought without a prescription) for appetite control, asthma, colds, coughs, hay fever or sinus problems unless you have discussed it with your doctor or pharmacist.

These medicines may be affected by APO-Ramipril or may affect how well it works. If you are taking any of these, you may need a different dose, or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you.

Other medicines not listed above may also interact with APO-Ramipril.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect APO-Ramipril.

4. How do I use APO-Ramipril?

How much to take / use

  • Your doctor will tell you how many tablets you will need to take, depending on your conditions and whether you are taking any other medicines.
  • The usual dose is:
    - For high blood pressure, 2.5mg to 10mg per day
    - For heart failure, 5mg to 10mg per day
    - For kidney problems, 1.25mg to 5mg per day
    - For cardiovascular risk, 2.5mg to 10mg per day

If two tablets are prescribed, your doctor may want you totake both together and at different times.

When to take / use APO-Ramipril

APO-Ramipril should be used at about the same time each day.

Taking your tablets at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take the tablets. It does not matter if you take ramipril before or after food.

How to take APO-Ramipril

The tablets should be removed from the blister by applying gentle pressure, using thumb from one side of blister corner, carefully to avoid crumbling of tablets. The tablets should be swallowed whole with plenty of fluid.

If you forget to use APO-Ramipril

APO-Ramipril should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

This may increase the chance of you experiencing side effects.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you use too much APO-Ramipril

If you think that you have used too much Ramipril, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using APO-Ramipril?

Things you should do

Call your doctor straight away if you:

  • If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor, and pharmacist that you are taking APO-Ramipril.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
  • Make sure you drink enough water during exercise and hot weather when you are taking ramipril, especially if you sweat a lot.
  • If you do not drink enough water while taking ramipril, you may feel faint, light-headed or sick. This is because your blood pressure is dropping suddenly. If you continue to feel unwell, tell your doctor.
  • If you have excess vomiting or diarrhoea while taking ramipril, tell your doctor.
  • You may lose too much water and salt and your blood pressure may drop too much.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you feel light-headed or dizzy after taking your first dose of ramipril, or when your dose is increased.
  • If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking ramipril as your blood pressure may drop suddenly.
  • APO-Ramipril may also affect other medicines used during surgery.
  • If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking ramipril as it may interfere with the results of some tests.
  • Have your blood pressure checked when your doctor says, to make sure ramipril is working.
  • Your doctor may do some test to make sure the medicine is working and to prevent side effects.
  • Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
  • Your doctor may occasionally do a blood test to check your potassium levels and see how your kidneys are working.

Remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are using Ramipril.

Things you should not do

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly or change the dosage, without first checking with your doctor.
  • Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
  • Do not take your medicine to treat any other complaint unless your doctor tells you to.

Things to be careful of

  • If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint when getting out of bed or standing up, get up slowly.
  • Standing up slowly, especially when you get up from bed or chairs, will help your body get used to the change in position and blood pressure. If this problem continues or gets worse, talk to your doctor.
  • Diet - eat a healthy low-fat diet which includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, cereals and fish. Eat less fat and sugar.
  • Exercise - regular exercise helps to reduce blood pressure and helps get the heart fitter, but it is important not to overdo it.
  • Walking is good exercise but try to find a route that is reasonably flat. Before starting any exercise, ask your doctor about the best kind of exercise programme for you.
  • Salt - your doctor may advise you to watch the amount of salt in your diet. To reduce your salt intake, you should avoid using salt in cooking or at the table.
  • Smoking - your doctor may advise you to stop, or at least cut down, smoking.
  • Weight - your doctor may suggest losing some weight to help lower your blood pressure and help lessen the amount of work your heart must do. Some people may need a dietician's help to lose weight.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how APO-Ramipril affects you.

Ramipril may cause dizziness, light-headedness, tiredness, or drowsiness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to ramipril before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or light-headed. If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Alcohol may have effects when consumed while taking APO-Ramipril. Your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.

Looking after your medicine

  • Keep your medicine in its pack until it is time to take it.
  • If you take your medicine out of its pack it may not keep well.
  • Keep your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature is below 25°C.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

When to discard your medicine (as relevant)

If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine leftover.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
  • feeling light-headed, dizzy or faint
  • persistent dry cough and/or tickling cough
  • headache
  • feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
  • reflux
  • stomach pain or discomfort
  • diarrhoea
  • indigestion
  • upper respiratory tract infections
  • muscle cramps or spasms
  • aching muscles, muscle tenderness or weakness, not caused by exercise
  • taste disturbance
  • unusual tiredness or weakness, fatigue, drowsiness
  • ringing or buzzing in the ears
  • forgetfulness or confusion
  • skin reactions
  • increase in nasal congestion or asthma symptoms
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
  • disturbed vision
  • changes to your sleeping pattern, including drowsiness
  • symptoms of sunburn (such as redness, itching, swelling, blistering) which may occur more quickly than normal
  • itchy or raised skin rash, hives or nettle rash
  • yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
  • severe upper stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting
  • fast or irregular heart beat
  • shortness of breath or tightness in the chest
  • tiredness, being short of breath and looking pale (signs of anaemia)
  • numbness, tingling and colour change (white, blue then red) in the fingers or toes when exposed to the cold
  • frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
  • passing little or no urine, or more urine than is normal for you
  • bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
  • mood changes
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Very Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
  • cough, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin; fainting; hay fever-like symptoms (signs of an allergic reaction)
  • pink or red itchy spots on the skin which may blister and progress to form raised, red, pale-centred marks
  • severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
  • swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
  • severe dizziness and confusion with visual disturbances and speech problems
  • fainting within a few hours of taking a dose
  • severe dizziness and confusion with visual disturbances and speech problems
  • chest pain.
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these very serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What APO-Ramipril contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)		Ramipril
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)		hypromellose
microcrystalline cellulose
pregelatinised maize starch
iron oxide red (2.5 mg tablet only)
iron oxide yellow (5 mg and 10mg tablet only)
sodium stearyl fumarate
Potential allergensN/A

This medicine does not contain gluten, lactose, sucrose, tartrazine, or any other azo dyes.

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What APO-Ramipril looks like

2.5 mg Tablet:

Pink to red mottled, oblong tablet with R and 18 on either side of score line on one side and score line on the other side. AUST R 231161

5 mg Tablet:

Light yellow to yellow mottled, oblong tablet with R and 19 on either side of score line on one side and score line on the other side. AUST R 231163

10 mg Tablet:

Light yellow to yellow mottled, oblong tablet with R and 10 on either side of score line on one side and score line on the other side. AUST R 231162

Available as blister pack of 30 tablets.

Who distributes APO-Ramipril

Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
15-17 Chapel Street
Cremorne VIC 3121
Australia

This leaflet was prepared in January 2024

Published by MIMS March 2024

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

APO-Ramipril Tablets

Active ingredient

Ramipril

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Ramipril.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Each tablet contains 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg ramipril as the active ingredient.
For the full list of excipients see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

APO-Ramipril Tablets.

2.5 mg tablet.

Pink to red mottled, oblong tablet with R and 18 on either side of score line on one side and score line on the other side.

5 mg tablet.

Light yellow to yellow mottled, oblong tablet with R and 19 on either side of score line on one side and score line on the other side.

10 mg tablet.

Light yellow to yellow mottled, oblong tablet with R and 10 on either side of score line on one side and score line on the other side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Treatment of hypertension. (Data are currently not available to support the use of ramipril in renovascular hypertension).
Post MI heart failure.
Prevention of progressive renal failure in patients with persistent proteinuria in excess of 1 g/day.
For reducing the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular death or the need for revascularisation procedures in patients 55 years of age or more who have clinical evidence of coronary artery disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease.
For reducing the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular death or revascularisation procedures in diabetic patients 55 years or more with one or more of the following risk factors: systolic blood pressure > 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg (or on antihypertensive treatment); total cholesterol > 5.2 mmol/L; HDL cholesterol < 0.9 mmol/L; current smoker; known microalbuminuria; any evidence of previous vascular disease.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

APO-Ramipril Tablets are intended for oral administration.
Ramipril tablets should be swallowed whole before, during or after meals with a generous amount of fluid. Where a 1.25 mg dose is required, this can be administered as half a 2.5 mg tablet.
Tablets should be removed from the blister by applying gentle pressure, using thumb from one side of blister corner, carefully to avoid crumbling of tablets.

Dosage.

Hypertension.

The recommended initial dosage for patients not receiving a diuretic is 2.5 mg ramipril once a day. Depending upon the patient's response, the dosage may then be increased at intervals of 2 - 3 weeks, first to 5 mg and then to a maximum of 10 mg once daily. If blood pressure is not controlled with ramipril alone, a diuretic can be added (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use re administration with potassium-sparing diuretics and potassium supplements).
Occasionally, in patients already taking diuretics, an undesirable large drop in blood pressure may occur after the first dose of ramipril. If possible, therefore, treatment with the diuretic should be discontinued 2 - 3 days before starting treatment with ramipril. If this is not possible, initial treatment with ramipril should start at a dose of 1.25 mg once daily and then be adjusted to the patient's needs.
An initial dose of 1.25 mg should also be considered in patients where fluid or salt depletion have not been completely corrected or in patients whom a hypotensive reaction would constitute a particular risk (e.g. with relevant stenosis of coronary vessels of those supplying the brain).

Post-MI heart failure.

The recommended initial dose is 5 mg ramipril daily, divided into two doses of 2.5 mg each, one in the morning and one in the evening. If the patient does not tolerate this initial dosage, it is recommended that 1.25 mg be given twice daily for two days. In either event, depending on the patient's response, the dose may then be increased. It is recommended that the dose, if increased, be doubled at intervals of 1 - 3 days. The maximum permitted daily dose is 10 mg ramipril to be given in divided doses. Treatment should be started in hospital when the patient is haemodynamically stable, preferably between 2 and 10 days after acute myocardial infarction.
Treatment should be reviewed after 15 months with the consideration of withdrawing ACE inhibitor treatment from patients who are haemodynamically stable with no symptoms or signs of heart failure.
Sufficient experience is still lacking in the treatment of patients with severe heart failure (NYHA class IV) immediately after myocardial infarction.

Progressive renal failure in patients with persistent proteinuria in excess of 1 g/day.

The recommended initial dose is 1.25 mg ramipril once daily. This should be doubled at intervals of 2 - 3 weeks, depending on how the drug is tolerated. There are no efficacy data regarding doses above 5 mg/day in patients with nephropathy.
In hypertensive patients, a target diastolic blood pressure of < 90 mmHg should be pursued.
In patients pre-treated with a diuretic, consideration must be given to discontinuing the diuretic for at least 2 - 3 days or longer (depending on duration of action) or at least consideration should be given to reducing the dose, before initiating ramipril.

Dosage in patients at increased cardiovascular risk.

The recommended initial dose is 2.5 mg ramipril once daily. Depending on the tolerability, the dose should be doubled after one week of treatment and after three weeks should be increased to 10 mg.
The usual maintenance dose is ramipril 10 mg daily.

Renal impairment.

Also see dosage in the section above ("Progressive renal failure in patients with persistent proteinuria in excess of 1 g/day"). In hypertensive patients with creatinine clearance levels of 50 mL/min and above (serum creatinine < 1.5 mg/dL) a dosage adjustment is not required.
For patients with creatinine clearance levels 20 - 50 mL/min (serum creatinine 1.5 - 3 mg/dL), the recommended initial dose is 1.25 mg ramipril once daily. This should be doubled at intervals of 2 - 3 weeks, depending on how the drug is tolerated.
Particular care should be exercised in patients with impaired renal function who are to be treated for heart failure post MI as such patients may be susceptible to hypotension. Patients with impaired renal function treated for heart failure post MI have not been studied systematically.

Hepatic impairment.

In patients with impaired liver function, the metabolism of ramipril - and therefore the formation of the bioactive metabolite ramiprilat is delayed due to diminished activity of the esterases in the liver, resulting in elevated plasma ramipril levels. Treatment with ramipril should therefore be initiated under close medical supervision and should not exceed 2.5 mg daily.

Dosage in the elderly.

The recommended starting dose is 1.25 mg once daily, which can then be increased according to the individual patient's BP response.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to ramipril, or to any other ACE inhibitor, or to any of the excipients of ramipril tablets.
History of hereditary and/or idiopathic angioedema or angioedema associated with previous treatment with an ACE inhibitor.
Haemodynamically relevant renal artery stenosis either bilateral or unilateral in the single kidney.
As with all vasodilators, ACE inhibitors should not be used in patients with haemodynamically relevant left ventricular inflow or outflow impediment (e.g. stenosis of aortic or mitral valve).
Hypotensive or haemodynamically unstable patients.
Pregnancy.
Lactation.
Renal failure (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Extracorporeal treatments leading to contact of blood with negatively charged surfaces must be avoided, such as dialysis or haemofiltration with high-flux dialyser membranes: Life threatening anaphylactoid hypersensitivity reactions, sometimes progressing to shock, have been described in the course of dialysis with high-flux membranes (e.g. polyacrylonitrile membranes such as AN69) during ACE inhibitor therapy. This combination must be avoided, either by using other medical products to control high blood pressure or cardiac insufficiency or by using other membranes during dialysis.
Similar reactions have been seen in patients undergoing low density lipoprotein apheresis with dextran sulfate during ACE inhibitor therapy.
Ramipril must not be used with aliskiren-containing medicines in patients with diabetes or with moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 60 mL/min).
Ramipril must not be used with angiotensin II receptor antagonists (AIIRAs) in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
Ramipril must not be used concomitantly with sacubitril/valsartan therapy (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions). Do not initiate ramipril until sacubitril/valsartan is eliminated from the body. In case of switch from ramipril to sacubitril/valsartan, do not start sacubitril/valsartan until ramipril is eliminated from the body.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Angioedema - head, neck or extremities.

Ramipril is contraindicated in patients with a history of angioedema. Angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. If angioedema occurs, the product should be promptly discontinued and the patient carefully observed until the swelling disappears. In instances where swelling has been confined to the face and lips, the condition should resolve without treatment, although antihistamines may be useful in relieving symptoms. Laryngeal oedema, however, can be fatal, thus where there is angioedema involving swelling of the tongue, glottis or larynx, likely to cause airway obstruction, appropriate therapy, e.g. subcutaneous adrenaline (epinephrine) solution 1:1000 (0.3 mL - 0.5 mL) should be promptly administered (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Hospitalisation of the patient is advisable with observation for at least 12 to 24 hours and discharge only upon complete resolution of the symptoms.
Angioedema may occur with or without urticaria. The onset of angioedema associated with use of ACE inhibitors may be delayed for weeks or months. Patients may have multiple episodes of angioedema with long symptom-free periods.
Medical therapy of progressive angioedema should be aggressive. Failing a rapid response, mechanical methods to secure an airway should be undertaken before massive oedema complicates oral or nasal intubation or surgical procedures (e.g. cricothyrotomy or tracheostomy). Patients who respond to medical treatment should be observed carefully for a possible rebound phenomenon.

Angioedema - intestinal.

Intestinal angioedema has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. These patients presented with abdominal pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); in some cases facial angioedema also occurred. The intestinal angioedema symptoms resolved after stopping the ACE inhibitor.
An increased risk of angioedema is possible with concomitant use of other drugs which may cause angioedema (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Hypotension.

Hypotension may occur in patients commencing treatment with ACE inhibitors. Excessive hypotension is rarely seen in uncomplicated hypertensive patients but is a possible consequence of use in severely salt/volume depleted persons such as patients with renovascular hypertension, those treated vigorously with diuretics, after severe diarrhoea or patients undergoing dialysis (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions; Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). It is recommended that dehydration, hypovolaemia or salt depletion be corrected before initiating treatment. In patients with severe congestive heart failure, with or without associated renal insufficiency, excessive hypotension has been observed with ACE inhibitors. This may be associated with syncope, neurological deficit, oliguria and/or progressive azotemia, but rarely with acute renal failure and/or death. If ramipril is to be used in such patients for treatment of hypertension, therapy should be started under very close supervision. Such patients should be followed closely for the first two weeks of treatment and whenever the dosage with or without a diuretic is increased. In patients with heart failure, correcting dehydration, hypovolaemia or salt depletion must be carefully weighed against the risk of volume overload.
For this reason also, in patients treated with ramipril after a myocardial infarction, treatment should not be initiated until the patient is haemodynamically stable (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).
Similar consideration may apply to patients with ischaemic heart or cerebrovascular disease in whom an excessive fall in blood pressure could result in myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident. In all high risk patients, it is advisable to initiate treatment at lower dosages than those usually recommended for uncomplicated patients.
In order to assess the extent of an acute fall in blood pressure and where necessary to take corrective action, blood pressure should be measured repeatedly after the first dose of ramipril, after a dosage increase of ramipril and after the first dose of an additional diuretic plus any dosage increase of the diuretic. This should be done until blood pressure has satisfactorily stabilised.
If hypotension occurs the patient should be placed in a supine position and, if necessary, receive an intravenous infusion of normal saline. A transient hypotensive response is not a contraindication to further doses which usually can be given without difficulty once the blood pressure has increased after volume expansion.

Patients with hyper-stimulated renin angiotensin system.

In the treatment of patients with a hyper-stimulated renin-angiotensin system, particular caution must be exercised. Such patients are at risk of an acute pronounced fall in blood pressure and deterioration of renal function due to ACE inhibition, especially when an ACE inhibitor or a concomitant diuretic is given for the first time or for the first time at an increased dose. Initial doses or initial dose increases must be accompanied by close blood pressure monitoring until such time as no further acute reduction in blood pressure is to be anticipated. Significant activation of the renin angiotensin system is to be anticipated, for example:
in patients with severe, and particularly with malignant hypertension. The initial phase of treatment requires special medical supervision;
in patients with heart failure, particularly if severe or if treated with other substances having antihypertensive potential. If heart failure is severe, the initial phase of treatment requires special medical supervision;
in patients with haemodynamically relevant left-ventricular inflow or outflow impediment (e.g. stenosis of the aortic or mitral valve). The initial phase of treatment requires special medical supervision;
in patients with haemodynamically relevant renal artery stenosis. The initial phase of treatment requires special medical supervision. Discontinuation of diuretic therapy may be required;
in patients pre-treated with diuretics. Where discontinuing use or reducing the dose of the diuretic is not possible the initial phase of treatment requires special medical supervision;
in patients in whom fluid or salt depletion exist or may develop (as a result of insufficient fluid or salt intake, or as a result of, e.g. diarrhoea, vomiting or excessive sweating in cases where salt and fluid replacement is inadequate).
Generally, it is recommended that dehydration, hypovolaemia or salt depletion be corrected before initiating treatment (in patients with heart failure, however, such corrective action must be carefully weighed against the risk of volume overload). When these conditions have become clinically relevant, treatment with ramipril must only be started or continued if appropriate steps are taken concurrently to prevent an excessive fall in blood pressure and deterioration of renal function.

Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).

Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by combining ramipril with an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (AIIRA) or with aliskiren is not recommended since there are increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalaemia and changes in renal function. The use of ramipril in combination with aliskiren is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 60 mL/min) (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
The use of ramipril in combination with an AIIRA is contraindicated in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Use in renal impairment.

Ramipril can prevent progressive renal failure in patients with persistent proteinuria in excess of 1 g/day. The nephroprotective effect of ramipril was observed to be more evident at doses greater than 1.25 mg in a small post hoc analysis which examined changes in serum creatinine and GFR (rather than changes in the rate of decline of GFR) after 3 months treatment with ramipril. This effect could depend upon the selective availability at the renal tissue site and on the patient's sodium status. These studies also indicate that, in renally impaired patients, higher doses of ramipril did not represent a higher risk than did lower doses of ramipril.
As a consequence of inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, changes in renal function may be anticipated in susceptible individuals. In patients with severe congestive heart failure whose renal function may depend on the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, including ramipril may be associated with oliguria and/or progressive azotemia and (rarely) with acute renal failure and/or death.
In patients after renal transplantation, there is a risk of renal impairment.
In clinical studies in hypertensive patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were observed in 20% of patients. These increases are usually reversible upon discontinuation of ACE treatment and/or diuretic therapy. In such patients, renal function should be monitored during the first few weeks of therapy.
Patients with unilateral renal artery disease present a special problem as deterioration of function may not be apparent from measurement of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Even a small increase in serum creatinine may be indicative of unilateral loss of renal function.
Some hypertensive patients with no apparent pre-existing renal vascular disease have developed increases in blood urea and serum creatinine which is usually minor and transient, especially when ramipril has been given concomitantly with a diuretic in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Dosage reduction of ramipril and/or discontinuation of the diuretic may be required. Additionally, in patients with renal insufficiency, serum potassium should be monitored more frequently as there is a risk of hyperkalaemia.
There is insufficient experience in the use of ramipril in patients with severe renal impairment (i.e. creatinine clearance less than 20 mL/min/1.73 m2 body surface area).
Ramipril is not suitable for the treatment of patients requiring haemodialysis for end-stage renal failure since only negligible amounts are dialysable.
Evaluation of the hypertensive patient or patient with heart failure should always include assessment of renal function (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration). If a deterioration in renal function has occurred after treatment with one ACE inhibitor, then it is likely to be precipitated by another and in these patients, other classes of antihypertensive agent should be preferred.

Monitoring of renal function.

It is recommended that renal function be monitored, particularly in the initial weeks of treatment with an ACE inhibitor. Particularly careful monitoring is required in patients with:
heart failure;
renovascular disease, including patients with haemodynamically relevant unilateral renal artery stenosis. In the latter patient group, even a small increase in serum creatinine may be indicative of unilateral loss of renal function;
impairment of renal function;
kidney transplant.

Electrolyte monitoring.

It is recommended that serum potassium and serum sodium be monitored regularly. More frequent monitoring of serum potassium is necessary in patients with impaired renal function.

Use in hepatic impairment.

As ramipril is a pro-drug metabolised in the liver to its active moiety, particular caution and close monitoring should be applied to patients with impaired liver function, as the response to treatment may be increased or reduced. The metabolism of the parent compound and, therefore, the formation of the bioactive metabolite ramiprilat may be diminished, resulting in markedly elevated plasma levels of the parent compound due to the reduced activity of the esterases in the liver (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration). Patients in whom severe liver cirrhosis with oedema and/or ascites is present, the renin angiotensin system may be significantly activated; therefore, particular caution must be exercised in treating these patients.

Patients at particular risk from a pronounced reduction in blood pressure.

In patients who would be at particular risk from an undesirably pronounced reduction in blood pressure (e.g. patients with haemodynamically relevant stenoses of the coronary arteries or of the blood vessels supplying the brain), the initial phase of treatment requires special medical supervision.

Neutropenia/agranulocytosis.

Agranulocytosis and bone marrow depression (including leucopenia/neutropenia) have been reported with ACE inhibitors. These have mostly occurred in patients with pre-existing impaired renal function, collagen vascular disease, immunosuppressant therapy or a combination of these complicating factors. Most episodes of leucopenia and neutropenia have been single, transient occurrences without any associated clinical symptoms. In addition, data to establish a causal relationship are currently lacking.
It is recommended that white blood cell counts be monitored to permit detection of a possible leucopenia, particularly in the initial phase of treatment. More frequent monitoring is advised in the initial phase of treatment and in patients with collagen vascular disease, renal disease (serum creatinine ≥ 180 micromol/L) and those on multiple drug therapy with agents known to be nephrotoxic or myelosuppressive.

Cough.

A persistent dry (non-productive) irritating cough has been reported with most ACE inhibitors in use. The frequency of reports has been increasing since cough was first recognised as a side-effect of ACE inhibition. In various studies, the incidence of cough varies between 2 - 15% depending upon the drug, dosage and duration of use.
The cough is often worse when lying down or at night. The cough is more common in women (who account for 2/3 of the reported cases). Patients who cough may have increased bronchial reactivity compared to those who do not cough. The observed higher frequency of this complication in nonsmokers may be due to higher level of tolerance to cough by smokers.
The mechanism of this adverse reaction is not clear but most likely to be secondary to the effects of converting-enzyme inhibitor on kinins (bradykinin and/or prostaglandin) resulting in stimulation of pulmonary cough reflex.
Once a patient has developed intolerable cough, an attempt may be made to switch the patient to another ACE inhibitor. The reaction may recur on re-challenge with another ACE inhibitor but this is not invariably the case. A change in anti-hypertensive regime may be required in severe cases. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. sulindac) have been reported to be effective in relieving coughing induced by ACE inhibitors. In mild hypertensive patients or patients likely to be treated with other antihypertensive agents, it is unlikely that risks of prescribing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug will outweigh the benefit of relieving cough.

Hyperkalaemia.

Because the ACE inhibitors decrease the formation of angiotensin II, which results in decreased production of aldosterone, increase in serum potassium levels (> 5.5 mEq/L) are not unexpected with this class of drugs. Hyperkalaemia is more likely in patients with some degree of renal impairment, those treated with potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements and/or consuming potassium-containing salt substitutes, or in patients taking other medicines associated with increases in serum potassium (e.g. trimethoprim containing medicines). Diabetics, and particularly elderly diabetics, may be at increased risk of hyperkalaemia. In some patients, hyponatraemia may co-exist with hyperkalaemia. It is recommended that patients undergoing ACE inhibitor treatment should have measurement of serum electrolytes (including potassium, sodium and urea) regularly. This is more important in patients taking diuretics.

Dermatological reactions.

Dermatological reactions characterised by maculo-papular pruritic rashes and sometimes photosensitivity has been reported with another ACE inhibitor. Rare and sometimes severe skin reactions (lichenoid eruptions, psoriasis, pemphigus like rash, rosacea, Stevens-Johnson syndrome etc.) have been reported. A causal relationship is difficult to assess.
Patients who developed a cutaneous adverse event with one ACE inhibitor may be free of reaction when switched to another drug of the same class, but there are also reports of cross-reactivity.

Taste disturbances (dysgeusia).

Taste disturbances were reported to be high (up to 12.5%) with high doses of another ACE inhibitor. The actual incidence of taste disturbance is probably low (< 0.5%) but data in this respect is scarce and difficult to interpret.
Taste disturbances with ACE inhibitors are described as suppression of taste or a metallic sensation in the mouth or sometimes there may be taste reduction of even complete loss of taste. The dysgeusia occurs usually in the first weeks of treatment and usually disappears within 1 - 3 months of treatment.

Surgery/anaesthesia.

In patients undergoing major surgery or anaesthesia who are being treated with agents that produce hypotension, ACE inhibitors may block angiotensin II formation secondary to compensatory renin release. If hypotension occurs and is considered to be due to this mechanism, it can be corrected by volume expansion.

Use in the elderly.

In clinical trials, no overall difference in effectiveness or safety has been observed between patients over 65 and younger patients. However, since both liver and kidney function may decline with age, the starting dose of ramipril should be reduced to 1.25 mg daily. Some elderly patients may be particularly responsive to ACE inhibitors. Evaluation of renal function at the beginning of treatment is recommended.

Paediatric use.

The safety and effectiveness of ramipril have not been established in children.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

Laboratory test findings.

The serum sodium level may decrease. Elevation of serum potassium may occur since ramipril leads to a decrease in aldosterone secretion; potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements should therefore be avoided. Increases in serum bilirubin and/or liver enzymes have been observed. Mild-to-severe decreases in haemoglobin (also due to haemolytic anaemia), red blood cells platelets and white blood cells have been observed with ACE inhibitors (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Eosinophilia has also been seen. Raised titres of antinuclear antibodies have been observed with other ACE inhibitors.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Sacubitril/valsartan.

The concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with sacubitril/valsartan therapy is contraindicated as this increases the risk of angioedema (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Extracorporeal treatments.

Extracorporeal treatments leading to contact of blood with negatively charged surfaces must be avoided, such as dialysis or haemofiltration with high-flux dialyser membranes, and low-density lipoprotein apheresis with dextran sulfate due to the risk of severe anaphylactoid reactions.

Aliskiren-containing medicines.

The combination of ramipril with aliskiren-containing medicines is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or with moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 60 mL/min) and is not recommended in other patients (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (AIIRAs).

The use of ramipril in combination with an AIIRA is contraindicated in patients with diabetic nephropathy and is not recommended in other patients.

Antihypertensive drugs.

Possible potentiation of the antihypertensive effect must be anticipated when ramipril is administered concurrently with other antihypertensive agents and other substances with antihypertensive potential (e.g. nitrates, tricyclic antidepressants, anaesthetics). Regular monitoring of serum sodium is recommended in patients undergoing concurrent diuretic therapy.

Vasopressor sympathomimetics.

The antihypertensive effect of ramipril may be reduced by concurrent administration of vasopressor sympathomimetics. Particularly close blood pressure monitoring is recommended.

Diuretics.

Patients on diuretics, especially those in whom diuretic therapy was recently instituted, may occasionally experience an excessive reduction of blood pressure after initiation of therapy with ramipril. The possibility of hypotensive effects with ramipril can be minimised by either discontinuing the diuretic or increasing the salt intake prior to initiation of treatment with ramipril. If this is not possible, the starting dose should be reduced (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration). Regular monitoring of serum sodium is necessary in patients undergoing concurrent diuretic therapy.

Potassium supplements, potassium sparing diuretics.

Ramipril can attenuate potassium loss caused by thiazide diuretics. Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene and others) and potassium supplements, potassium salts or other medicinal products (e.g. trimethoprim containing medicines) that may increase serum potassium levels can increase the risk of hyperkalaemia. This increase can sometimes be severe and should be anticipated. Therefore, if concomitant use of such agents is indicated, they should be given with caution and the patient's serum potassium should be monitored frequently.

Lithium.

Excretion of lithium may be reduced by ACE inhibitors. Increased serum lithium levels and symptoms of lithium toxicity (e.g. cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects) have been reported in patients receiving ACE inhibitors during therapy with lithium. These drugs should be co-administered with caution and frequent monitoring of serum lithium levels is recommended. If a diuretic is also used, the risk of lithium toxicity may be increased.

NSAIDs.

As with other ACE inhibitors, a decrease in the antihypertensive effects of ramipril in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. acetylsalicylic acid, phenylbutazone, indomethacin) is to be anticipated. Furthermore, concomitant treatment of ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs may lead to an increased risk of worsening renal function and an increase in serum potassium.

Combination use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists, anti-inflammatory drugs and thiazide diuretics.

Concomitant use of a renin-angiotensin system inhibiting drug (ACE-inhibitor or angiotensin receptor antagonist), an anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, including COX-2 inhibitor) and a thiazide diuretic may increase the risk of renal impairment. This includes use in fixed-combination products containing more than one class of drug. The combination of these agents should be administered with caution, especially in the elderly and in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Renal function (serum creatinine) should be monitored after initiation of concomitant therapy and periodically thereafter.

Anaesthetics.

General anaesthetics or anaesthetics with an antihypertensive action may cause the blood pressure to drop further in patients taking ramipril. Appropriate counter-measures, such as increasing the blood volume or, if necessary, administering angiotensin II, should be taken before or during surgery.

Antidiabetic agents.

ACE inhibitors may reduce insulin resistance. The possibility of an increased blood sugar reduction must be considered in patients treated concurrently with ramipril and antidiabetic agents, such as insulin and sulphonylurea derivatives. Particularly close blood glucose monitoring is, therefore, recommended in the initial phase of co-administration.

Vildagliptin.

An increased incidence of angioedema was found in patients taking ACE inhibitors and vildagliptin.

Heparin.

A rise in serum potassium concentration is possible when ramipril and heparin are administered concurrently.

Alcohol.

Concomitant administration with alcohol may lead to increased vasodilation. Ramipril may potentiate the effect of alcohol.

Desensitisation therapy.

The likelihood and severity of anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions to insect venom is increased under ACE inhibition. It is assumed that this effect may also occur in connection with other allergens.

Other.

Allopurinol, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, procainamide, cytostatic agents and other substances that may change the blood picture. The likelihood of blood picture changes is increased when ramipril is administered with these substances.
A high intake of dietary salt may decrease the effects of antihypertensive medication.
mTOR inhibitors (e.g. temsirolimus): An increased incidence of angioedema was observed in patients taking ACE inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors (mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors).
Neprilysin (NEP) inhibitors: An increased risk of angioedema has been reported with concomitant use of ACE inhibitors and NEP inhibitors.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

No data available.
(Category D)
As with all ACE inhibitors, ramipril must not be taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy must be excluded before starting treatment with ramipril and avoided during the treatment. Otherwise there is a risk of harm to the foetus.
If a patient intends to become pregnant, treatment with ACE inhibitors must be discontinued and replaced by another form of treatment.
If a patient becomes pregnant while on ACE inhibitors, she must immediately inform her doctor to discuss a change in medication and further management.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of ramipril in pregnant women. Data, however, show that ramipril crosses the human placenta. Post marketing experience with all ACE inhibitors suggests that exposure in utero may be associated with hypotension and decreased renal perfusion in the foetus. ACE inhibitors have also been associated with foetal death in utero.
A historical cohort study in over 29,000 infants born to non-diabetic mothers has shown 2.7 times higher risk for congenital malformations in infants exposed to any ACE inhibitor during the first trimester compared to no exposure. The risk ratios for cardiovascular and central nervous system malformations were 3.7 times (95% CI, 1.89 - 7.3) and 4.4 times (95% CI, 1.37 - 14.02) respectively, compared to no exposure.
When ACE inhibitors have been used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, there have been reports of neonatal hypotension, renal failure, skull hypoplasia and death.
Oligohydramnios has also been reported, presumably resulting from decreased foetal renal function; oligohydramnios has been associated with foetal limb contractures, craniofacial malformations, hypoplastic lung development and intrauterine growth retardation. Prematurity and patent ductus arteriosus have been reported, although it is not clear whether these occurrences were due to the ACE-inhibitor exposure or to the mother's underlying disease.
 Ingestion of a single 10 mg dose of ramipril resulted in undetectable amounts of ramipril and its metabolites in breast milk. However, there is evidence that ramiprilat is excreted in rat milk, hence ramipril should not be given to nursing mothers. If treatment with ramipril is necessary during lactation, the patient should not breast feed.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The antihypertensive effect in individual cases may be symptomatic. Some adverse effects (e.g. some symptoms of reduction in blood pressure such as light-headedness, dizziness) may impair the patient's ability to concentrate and react. Treatment with any blood pressure lowering agent may, therefore, affect the ability to drive, cross the road safely or operate machinery, especially at the start of treatment or when changing over from other preparations or during concomitant use of alcohol.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Ramipril has been evaluated for safety in over 4000 patients with hypertension. The frequency of adverse reactions associated with ramipril was low in clinical trials. Generally, adverse reactions are mild and transient and do not require discontinuation of therapy. The most frequently reported adverse reactions are nausea, dizziness and headache. Cough has been reported in clinical trials with an incidence of between less than 2% and up to 5.5%.
In placebo-controlled trials, however, there was an excess of upper respiratory infection and flu syndrome in the ramipril group. As these studies were carried out before the relationship of cough to ACE inhibitors was recognised, some of these events may represent ramipril-induced cough.
When used to treat nephropathy, the risks of ramipril therapy are no greater than when it is used to treat hypertension.
Similarly, the available information available from the HOPE study in 9200 patients does not reveal any increased risk of treatment with 10 mg ramipril in high risk cardiovascular patients or in diabetics.
The following lists adverse events reported in clinical trials with an incidence of greater than 2% (more common) and those with an incidence of equal to or less than 2% (less common).

More common.

Cardiovascular.

Symptomatic hypotension characterised by dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache, palpitations, tiredness, lightheadedness, impaired reactions or tinnitus may occur particularly at initiation of treatment or after increasing the dose of ramipril (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Orthostatic blood pressure decreased (disturbed orthostatic regulation), syncope.

Gastrointestinal.

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea may occur, but these reactions are often transient. Gastrointestinal inflammation, digestive disturbances, abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia.

Dermatological.

Apparent hypersensitivity reactions manifested by dermatitis, pruritus or rash, with or without fever (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Rash in particular maculo-papular.

Cough.

A persistent, dry (non-productive) and/or tickling cough has been reported with ramipril as with other ACE Inhibitors. Bronchitis, sinusitis, dyspnoea.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Muscle spasms (muscle cramps), myalgia.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Blood potassium increased.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Chest pain, fatigue.

Less common.

Cardiovascular.

Peripheral oedema, flushing and disturbed orthostatic regulation may be observed. Isolated cases of syncope, angina pectoris, arrhythmias, chest pain, palpitations, tachycardia, myocardial ischaemia and myocardial infarction have been observed. Exacerbation of perfusion disturbances due to vascular stenosis. Cerebral ischaemia leading to transient ischaemic attacks or stroke. Vasculitis.

Renal.

Some hypertensive patients with no apparent pre-existing renal disease have developed minor, usually transient, increases in BUN and serum creatinine when taking ramipril, particularly when ramipril was given concomitantly with a diuretic (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Impairment of renal function (isolated cases progressing to acute renal failure) may develop. Deterioration of pre-existing proteinuria (although ACE inhibitors usually reduce proteinuria) or an increase in urinary output may occur. Blood urea and blood creatinine may also be increased.

Angioedema.

In uncommon cases angioedema, and rarely including fatal angioedema, has occurred during therapy with ACE inhibitors, including ramipril. If laryngeal stridor or angioedema of the face, tongue or glottis occurs, treatment with ramipril must be discontinued and appropriate therapy started immediately (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Gastrointestinal.

Abdominal or gastric pain including gastritis (sometimes with enzyme changes suggesting pancreatitis), pancreatitis (cases of fatal outcome have been exceptionally reported with ACE inhibitors), pancreatic enzymes increased, small bowel angioedema, anorexia, decreased appetite, constipation, dry mouth, dysphagia, gastroenteritis, increased salivation, taste or smell disturbances and ageusia (loss of taste), dysgeusia (taste disturbances).

Hepatobiliary disorder.

Hepatic enzymes and/or bilirubin conjugated increased.

Dermatological, mucosal and cutaneous.

Reactions such as conjunctivitis, urticaria, pruritus, alopecia, onycholysis, precipitation and/or intensification of Raynaud's phenomenon and hyperhidrosis (sweating) have been observed (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Neurological and psychiatric.

Amnesia, confusion, convulsions, depressed mood, depression, disorders of balance, hearing loss, headache (not causally related to reduction in blood pressure), insomnia, loss of appetite, nervousness, anxiety, neuralgia, neuropathy, paraesthesia, restlessness, somnolence, tinnitus, tremor, vertigo, sleep disorders including somnolence (drowsiness), and vision disturbances including blurred vision.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Eosinophilia.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Bronchospasm including aggravated asthma, nasal congestion.

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Impotence and reduced libido (as generally possible in unusually low blood pressure and as possible consequence of other adverse effects).

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Arthralgia.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Pyrexia (fever).

Other.

Rarely, cholestatic jaundice, liver damage (including acute liver failure), have been reported. Also photosensitivity reactions and purpura have occurred. The likelihood and the severity of anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions may be increased whilst taking ACE inhibitors. This must be considered when desensitisation is performed. Isolated cases of agranulocytosis, pancytopenia or bone marrow depression or failure may occur.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Decreased white blood cell count (including neutropenia or agranulocytosis), red blood cell count, haemoglobin and platelet count, haemolytic anaemia.

Nervous system disorders.

Balance disorder, cerebral ischaemia including ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack, psychomotor skills impaired (impaired reactions), burning sensation, parosmia (smell disturbances).

Ear and labyrinth disorders.

Hearing impairment.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Glossitis, aphtous stomatitis (inflammatory reactions of the oral cavity).

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Exfoliative dermatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, pemphigus, psoriasis aggravated, dermatitis psoriasiform, pemphigoid or lichenoid exanthema or enanthema, alopecia.

Endocrine disorders.

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Blood sodium decreased.

Vascular disorders.

Hypoperfusion (exacerbation of perfusion disturbances), Raynaud's phenomenon.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Asthenia (weakness).

Immune system disorders.

Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions (severe anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions to insect venoma is increased under ACE inhibition), antinuclear antibody increased.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Hepatocellular damage, acute hepatic failure, cholestatic or cytolytic hepatitis (fatal outcome has been very exceptional).

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Gynaecomastia.

Psychiatric disorders.

Confusional state, disturbance in attention.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

In cases of overdose, the following may occur: excessive peripheral vasodilation, severe hypotension, shock, bradycardia, electrolyte disturbances, renal failure.
The treatment given depends on how and when the drug was taken and on the type and severity of symptoms. Steps must be taken to eliminate ramipril which has not yet been absorbed (e.g. administration of adsorbents during the first 30 minutes if possible). Vital and organ functions must be monitored under intensive care conditions and safeguarded if necessary. In case of hypotension, administration of α1-adrenergic agonists should be considered in addition to volume and salt substitution.
No experience is available concerning the efficacy of forced diuresis, altering urine pH, haemofiltration or dialysis in speeding up the elimination of ramipril or ramiprilat. If dialysis or haemofiltration is considered, consideration must be given to the fact that ramipril is contraindicated with certain high flux filtration membranes and with dextran sulfate LDL apheresis (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Single doses of ramipril of 2.5 - 20 mg produce approximately 60 - 80% inhibition of ACE activity 4 hours after dosing with approximately 40 - 60% inhibition after 24 hours. Multiple oral doses of ramipril of 2 mg or more cause plasma ACE activity to fall by more than 90% 4 hours after dosing, with over 80% inhibition of ACE activity remaining 24 hours after dosing. The more prolonged effect of even small multiple doses presumably reflects saturation of ACE binding sites by ramiprilat and relatively slow release from those sites.

Mechanism of action.

Ramipril is a pro-drug which, after absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, is hydrolysed in the liver to form the active moiety, ramiprilat. Ramipril and ramiprilat inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) which is identical to kininase II. This converting enzyme (ACE) is a peptidyl dipeptidase that catalyses the conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor substance, angiotensin II. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex, thus inhibition of ACE results in decreased plasma angiotensin II, which leads to decreased vasopressor activity and to decreased aldosterone secretion. The latter decrease may result in a small increase in serum potassium.
Kininase II is one of the enzymes responsible for the degradation of bradykinin, a potent vasodepressor peptide. The inhibition of kininase II activity by ramipril prevents the degradation of bradykinin thus leading to increased levels of this potent vasodepressor substance. While the mechanism through which ramipril lowers blood pressure is believed to be primarily suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, ramipril has an antihypertensive effect even in patients with low renin hypertension. Although ramipril was antihypertensive in all races studied, black hypertensive patients (usually a low renin hypertensive population) had a smaller average response to monotherapy than non-black patients.
The nephroprotective effects of ramipril are in addition to its antihypertensive action. These effects are a result of its beneficial effects on glomerular permeability which reduces protein filtration (an intrinsically toxic biological process) and thus contributes to its antiproteinuria effects.

Clinical trials.

Hypertension. Administration of ramipril to patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension results in a reduction of both supine and standing blood pressure to about the same extent, with no compensatory tachycardia. Symptomatic postural hypotension is infrequent, although it can occur in patients who are salt and/or volume depleted (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Use of ramipril in combination with thiazide diuretics gives a blood pressure lowering effect greater than that seen with either agent alone.
In single-dose studies, doses of 5 - 20 mg of ramipril lowered blood pressure within 1 - 2 hours, with peak reductions achieved 3 - 6 hours after dosing. The antihypertensive effect of a single dose persisted for 24 hours. In longer term (4 - 12 weeks) controlled studies, once-daily doses of 2.5 - 10 mg were similar in their effect, lowering supine or standing systolic and diastolic blood pressures 24 hours after dosing by about 6/4 mmHg more than placebo. In comparisons of peak versus trough effect, the trough effect represented about 50 - 60% of the peak response.
In most trials, the antihypertensive effect of ramipril increased during the first several weeks of repeated measurements. The antihypertensive effect of ramipril has been shown to continue during long-term therapy for at least 2 years. Abrupt withdrawal of ramipril has not resulted in a rapid increase in blood pressure.
Interaction studies of ramipril and thiazides have been carried out. Limited experience in controlled and uncontrolled trials combining ramipril with a calcium channel blocker, a loop diuretic or triple therapy (beta-blocker, vasodilator and a diuretic) indicate no unusual drug-drug interactions. Other ACE inhibitors have had less than additive effects with beta adrenergic blockers, presumably because both drugs lower blood pressure by inhibiting parts of the renin-angiotensin system.
Myocardial infarction. The efficacy of ramipril has been established in a study of 2000 patients with myocardial infarction who showed clinical signs of heart failure (acute infarct ramipril efficacy). Treatment with ramipril resulted in a significant improvement in survival and clinical outcomes. Over an average follow-up period of 15 months, ramipril reduced all cause mortality by 6% compared to placebo (risk reduction 27%, p = 0.002) and reduced the risk of secondary outcomes including progression to severe/resistant heart failure, reinfarction, stroke or death (in the absence of any prior validated event) by 19% (p = 0.008). These results are based on intention-to-treat analysis and are therefore likely to be conservative in terms of potential benefit of ramipril. A subsidiary analysis showed that the benefit of ramipril in terms of survival was evident as early as one month into treatment. The difference in mortality in the two groups at 30 days represented a risk reduction for the ramipril group over placebo of 29% (p = 0.053).
Non-diabetic or diabetic nephropathy.

Non-diabetic nephropathy.

In overt, mostly non-diabetic (13% diabetic subjects included) nephropathy, the pivotal REIN Study (Ramipril Efficacy In Nephropathy) (n = 166) demonstrated statistically significant decreases in the rate of progression of renal insufficiency and the development of end-stage renal failure. The populations studied in this placebo-controlled trial included normotensive patients, patients with uncontrolled mild-to-moderate hypertension (DBP > 90 mmHg) and patients with controlled mild-to-moderate hypertension. For those with uncontrolled hypertension, the target blood pressure was pre-defined (DBP < 90 mmHg) and if this was not achieved with study medication (ramipril or placebo) alone, additional antihypertensives were added. The improvements observed are more dramatic with poorer (elevated) baseline proteinuria (≥ 3 g/24 hr) but are also observed at lower baseline proteinuria (> 1 and < 3 g/24 hr). At this level of proteinuria, subgroup analysis in the REIN study indicated that only patients with worse (lower) GFR (< 45 mL/min/1.73 m2) received statistically significant benefits in end-stage renal failure. The results of the REIN study are summarised in Table 1.
The improvement in these key endpoints was observed to increase with time, to be maintained long term and to apply to both hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients. A delay of approximately three months was seen prior to detection of the beneficial effects of ramipril, suggesting the value of early treatment.

Diabetic nephropathy.

Studies in overt diabetic nephropathy, particularly the ACE II (angiotensin-converting enzyme II) study, have demonstrated that both low and high-dose ramipril therapy can retard proteinuria and maintain renal health (maintain GFR, creatinine levels and creatinine clearance). The ACE II study, which was an open label follow-up to the ACE I study with captopril, investigated the effect of intensive (target MAP ≤ 92 mmHg; n = 63) versus moderate (target MAP ≥ 100 to ≤ 107 mmHg; n = 66) blood pressure control with ramipril on renal function. While the study observed no significant differences between these moderate and intensive BP control groups, there was no observed deterioration of renal function in this high-risk population throughout the two-year study (no statistically significant change in serum creatinine or creatinine and a significant improvement in proteinuria). The trial therefore demonstrated the benefit of ramipril in maintaining the renal health of diabetic patients. These results are presented in Table 2.
Patients with an increased cardiovascular risk. The placebo-controlled HOPE study with once-daily ramipril was conducted in patients with an increased cardiovascular risk attributable to either vascular diseases (such as manifest coronary heart disease, a history of stroke or a history of peripheral vascular disease) or to diabetes mellitus plus at least one additional risk factor (such as microalbuminuria, hypertension, elevated total cholesterol levels, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels or smoking). Importantly, patient exclusion criteria included MI/stroke within 4 weeks of the start of the study, heart failure or low ejection fraction (< 0.40). Ramipril was administered adjunctive to standard therapy (e.g. in addition to aspirin, cholesterol lowering agents, other antihypertensives oral antidiabetic agents) and on a preventative basis to over 9,200 such patients. Patients were initiated on ramipril 2.5 mg for one week which was then titrated firstly to ramipril 5 mg for three weeks and then to ramipril 10 mg. The results of the HOPE study in terms of the primary composite endpoint and its components (CV death, MI or stroke) for the whole population (ITT - Intention to Treat) and for those patients with diabetes are presented in Table 3. The results of the HOPE study in terms of the pre-specified secondary endpoints for the whole population (ITT - Intention to Treat) are presented in Table 3.
The results of the HOPE study in terms of the pre-specified secondary endpoints for the whole population (ITT - Intention to Treat) are presented in Table 4.
The results of the HOPE study in terms of the pre-specified secondary endpoints for those patients with diabetes are presented in Table 5.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Following oral administration of ramipril, peak plasma concentrations of ramipril are reached within one hour. The extent of absorption is at least 50 - 60% and is not significantly influenced by the presence of food in the GI tract, although the rate of absorption is reduced.
Blood concentrations of ramipril and ramiprilat increase with increased dose, but are not strictly dose-proportional. The 24-hour AUC for ramiprilat, however, is dose-proportional over the 2.5 - 20 mg dose range. The absolute bioavailabilities of ramipril and ramiprilat were 28% and 44%, respectively, when 5 mg of oral ramipril was compared with the same dose of ramipril given intravenously.

Distribution.

Plasma concentrations of ramiprilat decline in a triphasic manner (initial rapid decline, apparent elimination phase, terminal elimination phase). The initial rapid decline, which represents distribution of the drug into a large peripheral compartment and subsequent binding to both plasma and tissue ACE and kininase II, has a half-life of 2 - 4 hours.
Because of its potent binding to and slow dissociation from the enzyme, ramiprilat shows two elimination phases. The apparent elimination phase corresponds to the clearance of free ramiprilat and has a half-life of 9 - 18 hours. The terminal elimination phase has a prolonged half-life (> 50 hours) and probably represents the binding/dissociation kinetics of the ramiprilat/ACE complex. It does not contribute to the accumulation of the drug. After multiple daily doses of ramipril 5 - 10 mg, the half-life of ramiprilat concentrations within the therapeutic range was 13 - 17 hours.
After once-daily dosing, steady-state plasma concentrations of ramiprilat are reached by the fourth dose. Steady-state concentrations of ramiprilat are somewhat higher than those seen after the first dose of ramipril, especially at low doses (2.5 mg), but the difference is clinically insignificant.

Metabolism.

Cleavage of the ester group (primarily in the liver) converts ramipril to its active diacid metabolite, ramiprilat. Peak plasma concentrations of ramiprilat are reached 2 - 4 hours after drug intake. The serum protein binding of ramipril is about 73% and that of ramiprilat about 56%. Ramipril is almost completely metabolised to ramiprilat, which has about 6 times the ACE inhibitory activity of ramipril and to the diketopiperazine ester. After oral administration of ramipril, about 60% of the parent drug and its metabolites are eliminated in the urine and about 40% is found in the faeces. Less than 2% of the administered dose is recovered in urine as unchanged ramipril.

Excretion.

The urinary excretion of ramipril, ramiprilat and their metabolites is reduced in patients with impaired renal function. Compared to normal subjects, patients with creatinine clearance less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m2 had higher peak and trough ramiprilat levels and slightly longer times to peak concentrations (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Impaired liver function.

In patients with impaired liver function, the metabolism of ramipril to ramiprilat appears to be slowed, possibly because of diminished activity of hepatic esterases and plasma ramipril levels in these patients are increased about 3-fold. Peak concentrations of ramiprilat in these patients, however, are not different from those seen in subjects with normal hepatic function and the effect of a given dose on plasma ACE activity does not vary with hepatic function.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

No data available.

Carcinogenicity.

No evidence of a carcinogenic effect was found when ramipril was given to rats (up to 500 mg/kg/day for 24 months) or to mice (up to 1000 mg/kg/day for 18 months).
An increased incidence of oxyphilic cells in the renal tubules and oxyphilic microadenomas was observed in rats treated for 24 months with ramipril (3.2 - 500 mg/kg/day). Data from historical control animals showed that the spontaneous occurrence of oxyphilic cells in rat kidney is age-related, is higher in males and reaches a level similar to that seen in the ramipril treated group. There is no evidence in humans that the occurrence of oxyphilic cells is age-related. Moreover, progression of oxyphilic cells to neoplasia (oncocytoma) is rare and, when it occurs, is considered to be benign. Whether this finding in rats represents any potential risk to man is therefore unclear.

Fibromuscular pad formation.

In several repeated dose studies in rats, especially male animals treated with ramipril (3.2 - 500 mg/kg b.w./day) showed an increased incidence of so-called fibromuscular pad formation in the basal region of the gastric mucosa. The findings suggest an increased connective tissue formation and partly also increased formation of smooth muscle (lamina muscularis mucosae) due to a predominantly round cell inflammatory reaction. In all studies (1 - 24 months, carcinogenicity) the changes are always of the same type and no tendency of proliferation is obvious. Thus, it seems to be rather a reactive process with circumscribed scar tissue formation. The changes in the rat stomach mucosa could not be reproduced in other species (i.e. mouse, dog, rabbit, monkey).
This lesion was also observed when rats were treated with a relatively high dose (90 mg/kg/day for 3 - 6 months) of another ACE inhibitor. In the light of the available data, fibromuscular pad formation in the rat would not appear to present a serious risk in humans.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised maize starch, iron oxide red (2.5 mg tablet only), iron oxide yellow (5 mg and 10 mg tablets only), sodium stearylfumarate.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

APO-Ramipril Tablets.

2.5 mg tablet.

Blister pack (PA/Al/PVC/Al) of 30 tablets (AUST R 231161).

5 mg tablet.

Blister pack (PA/Al/PVC/Al) of 30 tablets (AUST R 231163).

10 mg tablet.

Blister pack (PA/Al/PVC/Al) of 30 tablets (AUST R 231162).
Not all strengths may be available.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Ramipril is a 2-aza-bicyclo [3.3.0]-octane-3-carboxylic acid derivative. It is a white or almost white, crystalline powder sparingly soluble in water, freely soluble in methanol. Ramipril melts between 105°C and 112°C.

Chemical structure.


Ramipril has 5 chiral centres, with S-configuration in all 5 asymmetric carbon atoms.
Chemical name: (2S,3aS,6aS)-1-{N-[(1S)-1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]-L-alanyl} octahydrocyclopenta[b]pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid.
Molecular formula: C23H32N2O5.
Molecular weight: 416.51.

CAS number.

87333-19-5.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4 - Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes