Ramipril (Altace) Uses

Ramipril is used to treat high blood pressure and improve survival in people who have heart failure after a heart attack.

There may be other uses of ramipril—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further drug information.

Ramipril (Altace) Mechanism of Action

Ramipril and other drugs from this class (ACE inhibitors) act on the renin angiotensin aldosterone system which regulates blood volume and electrolyte levels in the body. ACE inhibitors block the action of an enzyme called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) which is needed to make a substance, angiotensin II, which causes narrowing of the blood vessels. By blocking ACE, ramipril causes widening of the blood vessels. This makes blood flow smoother, thereby lowering blood pressure.

Ramipril (Altace) Doses

Ramipril capsules come in strengths of 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. The usual starting dose of ramipril is 2.5 mg once a day. The dose can be adjusted based on blood pressure response. The maintenance dose ranges between 2.5 mg to 20 mg daily, taken as a single dose or in two divided doses. The maximum dose is 20 mg daily.