Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Kidney Risks For This Widely Used Blood Pressure Medicine, Says NHS

kidney risk blood pressure medicine

People who rely on a commonly prescribed medicine may face a kidney-related side effect that needs medical attention. This drug is routinely used for high blood pressure and heart failure, and doctors often prescribe it after a heart attack. In 2024 alone, it was issued 34.8 million times. Beyond lowering the risk of future heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems, it also improves survival when taken for heart failure or after a cardiac event. But which medicine raises this concern?

<h2><span rel="noindex">NHS</span> ‘Kidney’ Warning For People Taking Ramipril</h2>

Ramipril (sold under names such as Altace, Vostally, Tritace, Cardace) belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors. Doctors use it to treat a range of heart and blood vessel problems because it relaxes and widens the arteries, easing pressure on the heart and reducing blood pressure. It is usually taken as a tablet, capsule, or liquid. Although ramipril is helpful for many people managing long-term blood pressure or heart issues, it can occasionally trigger side effects. Some reactions may be strong enough to require urgent medical help.

Ramipril is not a beta blocker. It belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors. Both ACE inhibitors and beta blockers are used for blood pressure and heart problems, but they do not work the same way.

Ramipril stops the body from making a certain enzyme known as ACE. When this enzyme is blocked, the body produces less angiotensin II, a hormone that normally tightens the blood vessels. With less of this hormone active, the blood vessels stay more open, which lowers blood pressure and helps blood move through the body more easily.

Not everyone who takes ramipril will feel unwell, yet it can cause problems for certain users. NHS advice notes that long-term use may reduce how well the kidneys work. For that reason, anyone on ramipril may need routine blood tests so that their doctor can keep an eye on kidney function.

More common side effects, which may affect more than one in a hundred people, include:

<ul><li>A light skin rash</li><li>Blurred eyesight</li><li>A dry or tickly cough</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Feeling faint or dizzy</li></ul>

Ramipril can also lead to more serious issues, though these are rare. These include:

<ul><li>Kidney concerns shown by blood in urine, little or no urination, or puffy ankles</li><li>Possible bone marrow problems such as unusual tiredness, frequent bruising, dizziness, or fever</li><li>Yellowing of the skin or eyes, which can suggest a liver problem</li><li>Severe pain in the stomach</li></ul>

In rare situations, ramipril can cause a serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. The NHS advises seeking emergency help if this happens. Signs include:

<ul><li>Swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue</li><li>A tight throat or trouble swallowing</li><li>Sudden confusion</li><li>Fainting and not waking up normally</li><li>Blue, grey, or pale skin, lips, or tongue</li><li>Very rapid breathing or difficulty breathing</li></ul>

More information about ramipril is available on the NHS website. Always speak with your doctor before beginning or stopping any prescribed medicine.

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People who rely on a commonly prescribed medicine may face a kidney-related side effect that needs medical attention. This drug is routinely used for high blood pressure and heart failure, and doctors often prescribe it after a heart attack. In 2024 alone, it was issued 34.8 million times. Beyond lowering the risk of future heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems, it also improves survival when taken for heart failure or after a cardiac event. But which medicine raises this concern?NHS ‘Kidney’ Warning For People Taking RamiprilRamipril (sold under names such as Altace, Vostally, Tritace, Cardace) belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors. Doctors use it to treat a range of heart and blood vessel problems because it relaxes and widens the arteries, easing pressure on the heart and reducing blood pressure. It is usually taken as a tablet, capsule, or liquid. Although ramipril is helpful for many people managing long-term blood pressure or heart issues, it can occasionally trigger side effects. Some reactions may be strong enough to require urgent medical help.Is Ramipril a Beta Blocker?Ramipril is not a beta blocker. It belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors. Both ACE inhibitors and beta blockers are used for blood pressure and heart problems, but they do not work the same way.How Ramipril Works (ACE Inhibitor)?Ramipril stops the body from making a certain enzyme known as ACE. When this enzyme is blocked, the body produces less angiotensin II, a hormone that normally tightens the blood vessels. With less of this hormone active, the blood vessels stay more open, which lowers blood pressure and helps blood move through the body more easily.Ramipril Side EffectsNot everyone who takes ramipril will feel unwell, yet it can cause problems for certain users. NHS advice notes that long-term use may reduce how well the kidneys work. For that reason, anyone on ramipril may need routine blood tests so that their doctor can keep an eye on kidney function.More common side effects, which may affect more than one in a hundred people, include:A light skin rashBlurred eyesightA dry or tickly coughDiarrhoeaVomitingHeadachesFeeling faint or dizzyRamipril can also lead to more serious issues, though these are rare. These include:Kidney concerns shown by blood in urine, little or no urination, or puffy anklesPossible bone marrow problems such as unusual tiredness, frequent bruising, dizziness, or feverYellowing of the skin or eyes, which can suggest a liver problemSevere pain in the stomachIn rare situations, ramipril can cause a serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. The NHS advises seeking emergency help if this happens. Signs include:Swelling of the lips, throat, or tongueA tight throat or trouble swallowingSudden confusionFainting and not waking up normallyBlue, grey, or pale skin, lips, or tongueVery rapid breathing or difficulty breathingMore information about ramipril is available on the NHS website. Always speak with your doctor before beginning or stopping any prescribed medicine.