Cardace 5: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ଓଡ଼ିଆ
Also known as: Cardace, Cardace 5 mg, Cardace 5 tablet, Ramipril 5 mg
Cardace 5 is a prescription tablet containing 5 mg of ramipril, used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and some kidney damage. It belongs to a group called ACE inhibitors. It is taken only on a doctor's prescription, is usually taken for a long time, and must not be started or stopped without a doctor. It should not be taken during pregnancy.
- Active ingredient
- Ramipril 5 mg
- Type of medicine
- ACE inhibitors
- Used for
- Heart failure, High blood pressure
- Starts working in
- Blood pressure begins to fall within hours of a dose; the full effect can take a few weeks
- Effect lasts
- About a day, which is why it is taken once or twice a day
- With or without food
- Can be taken with or without food; follow the label or your doctor's advice
- Alcohol
- Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and cause dizziness; ask your doctor
- Pregnancy
- No. It can harm the baby's kidneys; tell your doctor at once if you are or may be pregnant
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- Sanofi India Ltd
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Cardace 5 used for?
- How does Cardace 5 work?
- How to take Cardace 5
- Side effects of Cardace 5
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Cardace 5
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Cardace 5 used for?
Cardace 5 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and some kidney damage.
- Treating high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Treating heart failure, together with other heart medicines
- Protecting the kidneys in some people with kidney damage, when a doctor judges it suitable
How does Cardace 5 work?
The body makes a hormone called angiotensin II that narrows blood vessels and makes the body hold on to salt and water, which raises blood pressure. Ramipril blocks the enzyme (ACE) that makes angiotensin II, so the vessels relax and widen and blood pressure falls. This also eases the work of the heart.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the tablet
The tablet dissolves in the gut and ramipril is absorbed into the blood. It can be taken with or without food.
The body activates it
Ramipril is turned into its active form, ramiprilat, in the liver.
It blocks the ACE enzyme
Ramiprilat blocks the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), so less angiotensin II is made.
Vessels relax and widen
With less of the narrowing hormone, the blood vessels relax and the kidneys hold on to less salt and water. Blood pressure falls.
The body clears it
The medicine is cleared from the body over time, so it is taken every day. Blood pressure can rise again if doses are missed or stopped.
How to take Cardace 5
Take Cardace 5 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
- Most people take it once or twice a day, at the same time each day.
- It can be taken with or without food; swallow the tablet whole with water. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
- Doctors usually start with a low dose to limit dizziness, and may suggest the first dose at bedtime.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless the next dose is nearly due. Do not take two doses together.
- High blood pressure usually gives no symptoms, so you may feel well. Do not stop taking it on your own; talk to your doctor first.
- Your doctor may ask for blood tests and blood pressure checks, especially for potassium and kidney function.
Side effects of Cardace 5
Most people take ramipril without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- A dry, persistent cough
- Dizziness or light-headedness, especially when standing up quickly
- Headache
- Diarrhoea or vomiting
- A mild skin rash
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, or difficulty breathing (angioedema or a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Yellow skin or eyes (possible liver problems)
- Severe stomach pain (possible pancreatitis)
- Swollen ankles, blood in urine or passing much less urine (possible kidney problems)
- Paleness, easy bruising, sore throat, fever or frequent infections (possible blood disorder)
- Chest pain, fast heartbeat, or signs of a stroke. Get medical help immediately
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Cardace 5, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to ramipril or another ACE inhibitor
- A past episode of swelling of the face or throat caused by an ACE inhibitor
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy: do not take it if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, because it can harm the baby's kidneys. Tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant
- Breastfeeding: ask your doctor or pharmacist first
- A past allergic reaction to ramipril or another medicine, including swelling of the face or throat
- Heart, liver or kidney problems, or dialysis
- Low or unstable blood pressure
- Diabetes: blood sugar may fall, so check it more often at first
- Recent vomiting or diarrhoea, or a low-salt diet
- Surgery or a general anaesthetic: tell the doctor or dentist that you take it
Medicines and things that interact with Cardace 5
Cardace 5 can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and painkillers bought over the counter.
- Spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride and potassium supplements: potassium can become too high
- NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen: they can weaken the effect and strain the kidneys. Daily low-dose aspirin of 75 mg is considered safe with it
- Water tablets such as furosemide, and other blood pressure medicines: blood pressure may fall too low
- Aliskiren
- Lithium
- Ciclosporin, tacrolimus, allopurinol and steroids
- Diabetes medicines: blood sugar may fall
If someone takes too much
Taking more than prescribed can cause dizziness, sleepiness and a noticeable heartbeat. If someone has taken more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Storage
Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient ramipril is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Cardace 5 contains ramipril only.
Other brands with the same medicine
Ramipril 5 mg tablets are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Some products also contain other medicines, so do not switch between them without asking your doctor.
Other strengths and forms
Ramipril is sold in different strengths, as capsules, and in combination tablets with other medicines. The strength and contents are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Cardace 5 a prescription medicine?
Yes. Ramipril is a prescription-only medicine. It should be taken only if a doctor has prescribed it, and it should not be started, stopped or changed without the doctor's advice. Keep taking it as directed even when you feel well.
Why do I need Cardace 5 even when I feel fine?
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, but over the years it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. The tablet works only while you take it. Do not stop on your own, even if readings are normal.
Why does Cardace 5 cause a dry cough?
A dry, persistent cough is a common effect of ACE inhibitors such as ramipril. Cough medicines usually do not help. Tell your doctor if it continues or disturbs your sleep, because another medicine may suit you better. Do not stop it yourself.
Can I take Cardace 5 during pregnancy?
No. It can harm the baby's kidneys, and doctors advise stopping it if pregnancy is found. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are planning a baby, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop it without speaking to your doctor.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Cardace 5?
Take it as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is nearly due. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed one.
Why might the first dose of Cardace 5 make me dizzy?
Ramipril lowers blood pressure, and the first dose can cause dizziness. Doctors usually start with a low dose and may suggest taking it at bedtime. If you feel faint, lie down and tell your doctor.
Can I use salt substitutes on Cardace 5?
Many salt substitutes are rich in potassium, and ramipril can raise potassium in the blood. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using them or potassium supplements.
What is the difference between Cardace 5 and ramipril 5 mg?
Cardace is a brand name, and ramipril is the medicine inside it. Generic ramipril 5 mg tablets contain the same active ingredient. Check the strength and ingredient list on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching.
Sources
- Ramipril: a medicine for high blood pressure and heart failure. NHS (UK)
- Who can and cannot take ramipril. NHS (UK)
- How and when to take ramipril. NHS (UK)
- Side effects of ramipril. NHS (UK)
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking ramipril. NHS (UK)
- Taking ramipril with other medicines and herbal supplements. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: C09AA05 ramipril. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)