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Overview: Vostally is used to lower blood pressure, treat heart disease, and in some people after a heart attack. It belongs to a class of medicines known as ACE inhibitors. It helps your blood vessels relax so that blood can move through them more easily. Common side effects may include a cough or low blood pressure. Serious side effects are less likely but may include liver problems, kidney problems, swelling of your face, lips, or tongue, or high levels of potassium in your blood. Before taking Vostally, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Vostally used for?

Vostally (ramipril) is commonly used for the following conditions.

  • To lower high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • To lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in people with heart or blood vessel problems
  • To lower the risk of death and hospitalization in people whose heart is not pumping blood as well as it should after a heart attack

Vostally may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Vostally work (mechanism of action)?

Vostally blocks the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) from forming a hormone called angiotensin II. When angiotensin II binds to receptors, it causes your blood vessels to constrict. Blocking the formation of angiotensin II helps your blood vessels relax so that blood can move through them more easily. These effects can help your heart work better, lower blood pressure, and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

How is Vostally supplied (dosage forms)?

Vostally is available in a 1 mg/mL oral solution that is taken by mouth.

How should I store Vostally?

Store unopened bottles of Vostally in the refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Once the bottle has been opened, it should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C), for up to 60 days. Any unused medicine left in the bottle after 60 days should be thrown away. Vostally can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. You should always keep Vostally in the original bottle. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Vostally?

The most common side effects of Vostally are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Cough
  • Low blood pressure (see below)

There may be other side effects of Vostally that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Vostally?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Vostally are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vostally may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Vostally and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Angioedema. Vostally may cause a rare reaction called angioedema. The usual symptoms of this reaction include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. Stop taking this medicine and contact your health care provider if you have this type of swelling. If you are having trouble breathing, get medical attention right away.

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Vostally may cause low blood pressure, especially when you first start taking it. Low blood pressure is more likely to occur if you have excessive sweating or persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Vostally. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking Vostally. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • A hard time catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

High Potassium Levels (Hyperkalemia). Vostally can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your health care provider may check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level. 

  • Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats 
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Trouble breathing
  • Abnormal heart rhythm

Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia). Vostally may cause low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low neutrophil levels.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Vostally?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Vostally.

  • Ramipril
  • Vostally
  • Any other medicine known as an ACE inhibitor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Vostally.

History of Angioedema. Vostally may cause a rare reaction called angioedema, where there is swelling under the skin. This medicine should not be used if you have had angioedema, including hereditary angioedema.

Drug Interactions. Vostally should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Vostally, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about Vostally before using it?

Do not take Vostally unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Vostally with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Vostally out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator before it has been opened, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Vostally?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Vostally is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems, including heart failure 
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes, especially if you use medicine to lower your blood sugar
  • Electrolyte imbalance, such as high or low levels of sodium or potassium
  • Persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea

Pregnancy. Vostally can cause death or serious harm to a fetus if taken during pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking Vostally right away and contact your health care provider.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Vostally passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Vostally.

How can I get more information about Vostally?

For more information about Vostally, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at vostallyrx.com/patient or call them at 844-638-2235.

Interactions

Does Vostally interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Vostally and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vostally.

Does Vostally interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Vostally.

  • Aliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high blood pressure
  • Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan), which is a medicine for heart failure
  • A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Any other angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as enalapril or lisinopril, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
  • An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), such as losartan or valsartan, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
  • A medicine such as everolimus (Afinitor, Zortress), sirolimus (Rapamune and others), or temsirolimus (Torisel), which is commonly used to treat cancer or after an organ transplant
  • Any medicine for high blood pressure

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vostally. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Vostally?

If you or someone else has used too much Vostally, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Vostally?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.