A pharmacist has warned that a side effect of ramipril, a blood pressure medicine taken by around six million people in the UK, "could be deadly." Raj Patel, known as the 'Straight-Talking Pharmacist' on TikTok, highlighted dizziness, especially when patients first start taking the drug or have their dose increased.
In a video posted to his account, where he has over 100,000 followers, Mr Patel said: "This ramipril side effect could be deadly. Always check your blood pressure." He added that low blood pressure can cause light-headedness and dizziness, symptoms that may be more noticeable when standing up or sitting up quickly. He also urged people to watch for swelling around the face, lips or throat, trouble breathing and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
How ramipril works and who takes it
Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, commonly prescribed in the UK to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It can also be given to people after a heart attack to help reduce the risk of further problems, making it important for patients to understand both its benefits and potential side effects.
Dizziness can be more likely when someone first starts taking ramipril or after their dose is increased, as their blood pressure adjusts to the medication. While mild symptoms may settle as the body gets used to treatment, severe or persistent dizziness should not be ignored, particularly if it is accompanied by fainting or other worrying symptoms.
Full list of ramipril side effects
The NHS warns that sudden swelling of the mouth or throat, or difficulty breathing, could be signs of a serious allergic reaction and require an immediate call to 999. It lists the following common and serious side effects, but warns this is not exhaustive:
- Dry, persistent cough
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Mild skin rash
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Severe stomach pain
- Unusual paleness, tiredness, faintness, bleeding or bruising
- Sore throat, fever or repeated infections
- Swollen ankles
- Blood in urine or passing no urine
- Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Signs of stroke, such as weakness on one side or trouble speaking
- Chest pain with a fast heartbeat
Anyone who feels dizzy should sit or lie down until the sensation passes and avoid driving while affected, according to NHS advice. People who experience ongoing or concerning symptoms should contact a healthcare professional rather than stopping ramipril or changing their dose themselves.
