Ramipril

[Hilly12]

Can you drink alcohol whilst taking Ramipril? Just wondering as I had a large glass of wine and within hours came over quite faint and felt like I was going to be sick! Feeling passed quickly , but just thought it might have been because I was mixing alcohol with medication.

[paddywak]

I've been on rampiril for about 7 years and I've never had any adverse effect. I dont drink a lot maybe 2-3 pints once a week and as I said I've never had any problems. Have you been taking it long as sometimes when you are on a new medication it can take a while for your body to adjust. I must stress that if you have ANY doubts see your doctor, as we can only speak from personal experiance and what suits one may not be right for everybody

[elginred]

Ramipril lowers blood pressure, and alcohol can do the same. Low blood pressure can result in the symptoms you describe.

I would speak to your pharmacist as to whether it is completely inadvisable to drink alcohol, or if moderate consumption would be safe.

[ethandron]

have just looked on the leaflet which comes with my ramipril (i've been on it for 4 years, i take 7.5mgs) and all it says is that ramipril may cause dizziness or tiredness, especially when you first start taking it, and drinking alcohol may make these symptoms worse. it doesn't say anwhere about not drinking alcohol while taking it.

[ethandron]

forgot to say, i regularly (3 or 4 times a week) have a couple of glasses of wine and have never had any nasty effects.

[voltr4m4x]

I, too, have been on Ramipril for some time, though I do not drink alcohol. As already correctly stated above by other posts Ramipril can have some side effects, so I would advise that you consult your GP. He/she may advise you to take the medication at night before retiring to bed and in this way you will overcome the dizziness. Alternatively, your GP may decide to precribe a course of Candersartin tablets which are equally as effective as Ramipril, but with less side effects. Whatever else you decide however do consult your GP.

[Eve]

Alcohol can increase the effects of the drug and further decrease your blood pressure.

What you had were probably the symptoms of your blood pressure dropping further.

Use with care with alcohol especially if your blood pressure isn't extremely high in the first place.

[Dollie]

me too, used to take Ramipril and drink wine, no adverse affects.

[Bellringer]

I took Ramipril until I developed the "cough".
I drink far more than is good for me but the Ramipril had no side efects other than the "cough"

[ethandron]

the cough does wear off after a couple of months though. i cought whooping cough last summer, and between the ramipril and whooping cough, never thought i would ever stop coughing. but i did - hoorah!!!

[Hilly12]

Thank you all above who have responded to my question. I have been on the medication for four months now and apart from light headiness after bending down have had no other problems. The alcohol I had was slightly stronger than usual so combined with the medication must of made my blood pressure drop more as some of you have pointed out. Thanks again all, much appreciated.