What Is The Ideal Dosage For Ramipril Taken For BP?

Posted on Wed, 9 Mar 2016

Question: I am a 78 year old healthy woman. At least I was until this winter. I went to Europe ,Denmark for 3 weeks and caught a cold there. I was doing not badly until Christmas Day when i couldnt get out of bed because of Vertigo. I went to ER who also found my BP was skyhigh,over 203/103 once with a terrific headache to boot. They lowered my BP to 130/ 80 and sent me home with Ramapril 5 mg daily. I was ok otherwise i had CT scan+ numerous blood tests. My family physician still found my Bp too high at around the 150 ies and increase the dose to 10mg which I have taken for about 10 days. i write for a second opinion because I now have the suspicion than that dose is too high.I got another horrible cold last Monday and had a tough time until now. I felt weak as a kitten,nauseated, ready to faint at times and coughing +++. I seem to be over that cold but I still see black before my eyes when i get up and feel very weak overall. My BP has been really low since a week ago,sometimes down to 108 and today 114/76 but my pulse is continously high like 96 to 100. it pounds so it seems my whole head is moving at times.....This has never occured before I have always been much too healthy for my age. Please tell me your opinion..... FYO i am a retired RN

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Discussion follows

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
The dose of your blood pressure medicine depends on the BP reading. Now that the blood pressure is in the low normal range, you can reduce the dose of Ramipril to 5 mg od. If the cough is dry and nocturnal, it can be due to a side effect of Ramipril which is an ACEI. The dizzy feeling may be related to the low systolic BP and it ought to improve with the reduction of dose.
Do get back to me with further queries if any.
Take care,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (2 minutes later)

The only meds I take daily is Pariet prn and Celexa 20 mg which i have had for 15 years.
I also perspire a lot now
Lost my husband 1 1/2 years ago from cancer he died at home. I am just getting used to the idea that I have the rest of my life to live..

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the following

Detailed Answer:
You might be a little anxious, but relax things would improve with the reduction of dose. If the cough persists, your anti hypertensive medicine may have to be changed.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (37 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX for giving me your opinion.
I had a feeling I should be looking at my Ramapril dosage.The way I feel is so bizarre otherwise and also fits the side effects.
Ofcourse I will see my MD asap and....I will take 1/2 dose tomorrow and go out and buy a BP cuff.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
I agree with your decision.
Do get back to me if you have any further queries.
Have a great day.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar