Ramipril & Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets

What is Ramipril & Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets?

Ramipril and Hydrochlorothiazide tablets are a combination medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This combination drug contains two active ingredients: ramipril and hydrochlorothiazide.

• Ramipril: Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of an enzyme in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict. By doing so, it helps to relax and widen the blood vessels, which in turn lowers blood pressure.
• Hydrochlorothiazide: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic, commonly referred to as a “water pill.” It works by increasing the amount of water and salt your kidneys remove from your body, which helps to decrease blood volume and lower blood pressure.

Ramipril & Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets Use

Ramipril and Hydrochlorothiazide is used for the treatment, control, prevention, & improvement of the following diseases, conditions and symptoms

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Ramipril helps relax blood vessels, which in turn lowers blood pressure. It’s commonly used to manage high blood pressure.
• Heart Failure: It’s used to treat heart failure by reducing the strain on the heart and improving blood flow.
• Post-Heart Attack: It may be prescribed after a heart attack to improve the heart’s function.
• Edema (Fluid Retention): It’s used to treat edema (fluid retention) associated with conditions like heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney disorders.
• Kidney Stones: HCTZ can be used to prevent certain types of kidney stones by increasing the excretion of calcium in urine.

Ramipril & Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology

Ramipril:

• Mechanism of Action:
  • Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.
  • It works by inhibiting the activity of ACE, an enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
  • Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor (narrows blood vessels) and also stimulates the release of aldosterone, a hormone that leads to sodium and water retention.
• Pharmacology:
  • Effects on Blood Pressure:
    • By inhibiting ACE, Ramipril reduces the production of angiotensin II, which leads to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels).
    • This vasodilation results in a decrease in peripheral resistance, which lowers blood pressure.
  • Effects on the Heart:
    • Ramipril also reduces the afterload (pressure the heart needs to pump against) and preload (volume of blood returning to the heart) on the heart.
    • This can be beneficial in conditions like heart failure and after myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ):

• Mechanism of Action:
  • Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic.
  • It acts on the kidneys by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubules.
  • This leads to increased excretion of sodium and water, effectively reducing blood volume.
• Pharmacology:
  • Effects on Blood Pressure:
    • By increasing the excretion of sodium and water, HCTZ reduces the total volume of fluid in the bloodstream.
    • This leads to decreased cardiac output and lower blood pressure.
  • Electrolyte Effects:
    • HCTZ can also lead to an increase in potassium excretion, which might result in low potassium levels (hypokalemia) in some individuals.
    • It can affect other electrolytes like magnesium and calcium as well.

Ramipril & Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets – Side-effects

• Cough: A persistent dry cough can occur in some people taking ACE inhibitors like Ramipril. If this happens, it’s important to notify your healthcare provider.
• Dizziness or Light-headedness: Especially when standing up quickly.
• Elevated Blood Potassium Levels (Hyperkalemia): In rare cases, Ramipril can lead to an increase in potassium levels in the blood, which can be serious. Regular blood tests can monitor for this.
• Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Serum Creatinine: Indicators of kidney function. Ramipril can affect kidney function, so monitoring these levels is important.
• Fatigue or Weakness: Some people may experience a decrease in energy levels.