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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Ramipril Safe To Be Taken While On Benicar?

Hi I have been taking benicar & altace (ramprill) together for a over 4 years. I switch Dr. And this Dr. is telling me that altace is in the same family as benicar and wants to switch the rampril to something else. My blood pressure has been good. Last check was 117/70
Fri, 16 Dec 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
Ramipril should not be taken along with Benicar.

Ramipril is angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor which works by decreasing the formation of Angiotensin-II and thus helpful in reducing the high BP. Whereas Benicar (Olmesartan) is an angiotensin receptor (AT1) receptor blocker (ARB) which works by blocking the action of angiotensin-II and thus helpful in the reducing the high BP.


Taking Ramipril alongwith with Benicar may increase the risk of side effects such as low BP, kidney function impairment, and a condition called hyperkalemia (high blood potassium).

In severe cases, hyperkalemia can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest. You may be more likely to develop hyperkalemia while taking these medications if you are elderly, dehydrated, or have kidney disease, diabetes, or advanced heart failure.

So, in view of the above kindly follow the advice given by your new doctor to take another medication like Hydrochlorothiazide along with Benicar instead of Ramipril.

Hope this answers your query.
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Is Ramipril Safe To Be Taken While On Benicar?

Hi & Welcome. Ramipril should not be taken along with Benicar. Ramipril is angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor which works by decreasing the formation of Angiotensin-II and thus helpful in reducing the high BP. Whereas Benicar (Olmesartan) is an angiotensin receptor (AT1) receptor blocker (ARB) which works by blocking the action of angiotensin-II and thus helpful in the reducing the high BP. Taking Ramipril alongwith with Benicar may increase the risk of side effects such as low BP, kidney function impairment, and a condition called hyperkalemia (high blood potassium). In severe cases, hyperkalemia can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest. You may be more likely to develop hyperkalemia while taking these medications if you are elderly, dehydrated, or have kidney disease, diabetes, or advanced heart failure. So, in view of the above kindly follow the advice given by your new doctor to take another medication like Hydrochlorothiazide along with Benicar instead of Ramipril. Hope this answers your query.