Prodrug converted to ramiprilat; inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, reducing angiotensin II production, decreasing aldosterone secretion, and lowering systemic vascular resistance
At a glance
Class
ACE inhibitor (Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor)
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from moisture
Dosing
Congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease
Duration: Long-term / lifelong
Congestive heart failure, proteinuria
Duration: Long-term / lifelong
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Hypotension
Mild azotemia
Inappetence
Serious
Hyperkalemia
Acute renal failure
Angioedema
Blood pressureBUN/CreatinineSerum potassiumUrine protein:creatinine ratio
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
International
Vasotop
Intervet/MSD Animal Health
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Ramipril?
Ramipril is a ace inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) used in pets. Prodrug converted to ramiprilat; inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, reducing angiotensin II production, decreasing aldosterone secretion, and lowering systemic vascular resistance
›What is Ramipril used for in pets?
Ramipril is used in veterinary medicine for: Congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease; Congestive heart failure, proteinuria.
›What is the Ramipril dose for dogs?
For dogs, Ramipril is typically dosed as follows — Congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease: 0.125–0.25 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Ramipril dose for cats?
For cats, Ramipril is typically dosed as follows — Congestive heart failure, proteinuria: 0.125–0.25 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Ramipril?
Common: Hypotension, Mild azotemia, Inappetence. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hyperkalemia, Acute renal failure, Angioedema.
›Does Ramipril need a prescription?
Yes. Ramipril is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Ramipril not be used?
Do not use Ramipril if: Bilateral renal artery stenosis; Hypotension.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database