Ramipril: a review of the new ACE inhibitor.

Ramipril is a long acting angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which exhibits similar pharmacodynamic properties to Captopril and Enalapril. Like Enalapril, it is a prodrug, which is hydrolyzed after absorption to form the active metabolite ramiprilat which has a long elimination half-life, permitting once daily administration. In the dose range 2.5-10 mg once daily the drug has been effective and well tolerated during treatment for up to two years. In dosages of 5 or 10 mg once daily the antihypertensive efficacy of Ramipril was comparable with usual therapeutic dosages of Captopril, Enalapril, and Atenolol.