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Warning for anyone in Ireland taking Ramipril and Amlodipine for high blood pressure

High blood pressure affects approximately one in three adults in Ireland

[person tipping pills from bottle into palm of hand]

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Ramipril is one of the most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications in Ireland. (stock image)(Image: Pexels)

A doctor has issued a fresh warning to anyone who has been prescribed Ramipril and amlodipine for high blood pressure.

Dr Amir Khan appeared on ITV's Lorraine to outline what patients taking these medicines need to know, including potential side effects, and shared a clip from the programme on his Instagram account on Wednesday.

He urged his followers: "If you're on blood pressure tablets: watch this". In the caption, he added: "Blood pressure medication is lifesaving for so many people - but common blood pressure tablets like Ramipril and amlodipine do have side effects, which either mean people suffer in silence or stop taking them altogether."

He went on to say: "But we have plenty of alternatives - so if that's you, please discuss with your local pharmacist or GP who can help."

In the clip, Dr Amir Khan confirms that the two most widely prescribed blood pressure tablets are Ramipril and amlodipine.

The medical expert explained that Ramipril works by acting on enzymes in the kidneys to reduce blood pressure. However, he warns it also releases a substance called bradykinin, which can irritate the airways and trigger a persistent dry cough, reports the Mirror.

[A box of generic Ramipril pills. Ramipril is a prescription drug primarily used for the treatment of high blood pressure. - white background]

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Ramipril is taken by thousands of people across Ireland every single day. (stock image)(Image: Getty)

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Amlodipine is another common medication used to treat high blood pressure in Ireland.

"Lots of people get put on antibiotics and get sent for chest X-rays, and nothing gets found," Dr Amir Khan explained. "It's the Ramipril. There are lots of alternatives."

Regarding amlodipine, Dr Amir Khan raised concerns about its potential impact on certain patients. He said: "The way [amlodipine] works is by widening your blood vessels and allowing some leakage of fluid into your ankles - you get swollen ankles."

He said this is "very common" and can affect "one in five people".

He went on to reiterate: "So, again, lots of alternatives to blood pressure tablets, we've got different options. If you're suffering with swollen ankles or a dry, irritating cough, it could be your blood pressure tablets. Speak to your doctor. Plenty of alternatives."

In the comments section, one viewer wrote: "Amdopipine can also cause drug induced hyperplasia in your gums as a side effect so make sure you have healthy ones before starting this medication to limit risk of this occurrence."

Another added: "My husband couldn't tolerate Ramipril or amlodipine (swollen ankles) currently takes losartan (ARBs). BP Perfect."

Always consult your doctor if you have any concerns or issues with your prescribed medication. If the side effects are troubling you, there are likely other alternatives worth considering.

What are the common side effects of Ramipril?

The HSE states that a dry, persistent cough that does not improve is a side effect of Ramipril. It says: "Cough medicines do not usually help for coughs caused by Ramipril. Sometimes the cough gets better on its own if you keep taking Ramipril."

These common side effects of Ramipril occur in more than one in 100 people.

What are the common side effects of amlodipine?

The most common side effects of amlodipine include:

• Headaches
• Feeling dizzy
• Flushing
• A pounding heartbeat
• Swollen ankles

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