*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

About Ramipril

NHS medicines information on ramipril - what it's used for and key facts.

Ramipril is a medicine widely used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It's also prescribed after a heart attack.

Ramipril helps prevent future strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. It also improves your survival if you're taking it for heart failure or after a heart attack.

It works by widening your blood vessels and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

This medicine is available on prescription. It comes as tablets, capsules and as a liquid that you swallow for people who find it difficult to swallow tablets.

Ramipril is also available combined with another blood pressure medicine called felodipine. This combined medicine is called by the brand name Triapin.

Key facts

Ramipril starts to work within a few hours, but it may take a few weeks for full effect.
Your very first dose of ramipril may make you feel dizzy, so it's best to take it at bedtime. After the first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take it at any time of day. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Some people get a dry, tickly cough with ramipril. If this happens your doctor might suggest you change to a different medicine.
If you have severe diarrhoea or you're being sick (vomiting) because of a stomach bug or illness, tell your doctor. You may need to stop taking ramipril for a while until you feel better.
Drinking alcohol can increase the effect of ramipril, so that it lowers your blood pressure too much, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. It's best not to drink alcohol until you see how ramipril affects you.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.