Ramipril 5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: High blood pressure; Heart failure, and protecting the heart after a heart attack.
Listed MRPs range from ₹6.10 to ₹8.79 per tablet across 6 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ziram 5 | FDC Ltd | 10 | ₹60.95 | ₹6.10 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cardace 5 | Sanofi India Ltd | 15 | ₹131.04 | ₹8.74 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ramistar 5 | Lupin Ltd | 15 | ₹131.80 | ₹8.79 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ramipres 5 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹87.88 | ₹8.79 | 19 October 2026 |
| Hopace 5 | Micro Labs Ltd | 30 | ₹263.65 | ₹8.79 | 19 October 2026 |
| Macpril 5 | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹87.88 | ₹8.79 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- High blood pressure.
- Heart failure, and protecting the heart after a heart attack.
- Reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with diabetes or heart disease.
- Protecting the kidneys in diabetes (diabetic nephropathy).
How to take it
Take one 5 mg tablet once a day at the same time, with or without food. Swallow it whole with water. Your doctor may ask you to take the very first dose at bedtime because it can cause dizziness; after that any regular time is fine. Blood tests for potassium and kidney function are done a week or two after starting and after dose changes. If you have vomiting, diarrhoea or high fever and cannot keep fluids down, ask your doctor whether to pause it for a few days. Keep taking it even when you feel well.
Side effects
Common
- Dry, tickly cough that does not go away.
- Dizziness, especially when standing up.
- Headache.
- Tiredness.
- Nausea or upset stomach.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat with difficulty breathing (angioedema) – emergency.
- Fainting or very low blood pressure.
- High potassium – weakness, irregular heartbeat.
- Kidney problems – very little urine, swelling.
- Yellow eyes or skin (liver problem).
Safety information
Alcohol
Limit alcohol. It increases the blood pressure drop and dizziness.
Pregnancy
Do not take in pregnancy – it can seriously harm the baby's kidneys. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant; a safer medicine will be given. Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor.
Kidney problems
Often prescribed to protect kidneys in diabetes, but creatinine and potassium must be monitored. The dose is lowered in significant kidney disease.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Children
Not usually used in children.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never double the dose.
Interactions
- Painkillers like ibuprofen, diclofenac, aceclofenac – reduce its effect and can harm the kidneys.
- Spironolactone, potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes – potassium can rise dangerously.
- Telmisartan, losartan and other ARBs, or sacubitril/valsartan – not combined except by a specialist; angioedema risk with sacubitril.
- Furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide and other blood pressure medicines – blood pressure may drop sharply at first.
- Lithium – levels rise.
- Metformin, insulin and gliclazide – a small risk of lower sugar; monitor.
Frequently asked questions
When should I take Cardace 5 – morning or night?
Either, at the same time daily. Your doctor may suggest the first dose at bedtime because of dizziness; once you know how it affects you, morning is fine.
Why do I have a dry cough on Cardace?
A persistent dry cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors like ramipril. If it is troublesome, your doctor can switch you to an ARB such as telmisartan, which rarely causes cough.
Cardace 5 vs Telma 40 – which is better?
Both lower blood pressure and protect the heart and kidneys. Ramipril has strong evidence after heart attacks and in heart failure; telmisartan is chosen when cough is a problem. Your doctor picks based on your conditions.
Can I take Cardace 5 with alcohol?
Keep it minimal. Alcohol adds to the blood pressure drop and dizziness, especially when standing up.
Is Cardace 5 safe in pregnancy?
No. Ramipril can damage the baby's kidneys and must be stopped as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Tell your doctor if you are planning a baby so a safer medicine can be chosen.
Can I take Cardace with Aldactone or potassium?
Only with blood tests. Both raise potassium and the combination can push it to dangerous levels. Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes unless prescribed.
Can I take painkillers like Combiflam with Cardace 5?
Occasional paracetamol is fine. Regular ibuprofen or diclofenac reduces the blood pressure effect and can strain the kidneys, especially with a water tablet. Ask your doctor.
What if I miss a dose of Ramistar 5?
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is close. Do not take two tablets together. Setting a daily alarm helps.
Why is Cardace 5 a tablet when ramipril is listed as a capsule?
Ramipril is sold as both tablets and capsules in India; most Indian brands, including Cardace and Ramistar, are tablets. The strength and effect are the same.
Sources
- NHS – Ramipril (19 October 2026)
- NHS – How and when to take ramipril (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Ramipril (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms