The drug known under the trade name Delix® contains the active ingredient ramipril. Ramipril itself belongs to the group of ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors) and is mainly used for the treatment of high blood pressure (arterial hypertension). This enzyme is used to convert the inactive form of a blood pressure regulatory messenger into its active form. For this reason, ramipril can reduce blood pressure by inhibiting the angiotensin converting enzyme. In addition to this main reason for prescription, Delix® can also be used as a therapy for existing heart failure or to prevent a heart attack.
Fields of application
Delix® and other drugs containing ramipril (for example Ramilich) can be used in two different ways. As a so-called mono-preparation, Delix® develops its effect without any further aids; as a combination preparation, it is administered in combination with other antihypertensive drugs. Typical drugs used in combination with Delix® include diuretics, i.e. drugs that increase kidney function and urine excretion, or calcium channel blockers.
Calcium channel blockers generally lower the muscle tone of smooth vascular muscles and thus effectively reduce blood pressure. The effect of a combination therapy is generally more effective compared to the exclusive use of Delix®. Delix® is one of, if not the most promising drug for the successful treatment of heart failure. Furthermore, Delix® and other ramipril-containing drugs are believed to have a preventive effect on the development of heart attacks. For this reason, it is often taken prophylactically by patients at risk or by patients who have already suffered an infarction.
How does Delix® work?
If the blood pressure in the human body falls below a normal value, the enzyme renin is released from the kidney cells. This enzyme is able to initiate the most important blood pressure regulating cascade. Renin first activates a second enzyme (angiotensin I), which is converted into the active form angiotensin II via the so-called angiotensin converting enzymes.
Angiotensin II can now ensure that blood pressure rises through various processes. Delix® and other ramipril-containing drugs intervene in this enzyme cascade by inhibiting the angiotensin converting enzyme to prevent the activation of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. The consequence is that the blood pressure can no longer be raised via the system just described (renin- angiotensin- aldosterone system, in short: RAAS). For people with too high blood pressure, lower values and a decreasing load on the vessels and the heart can be achieved.
Side effects
A number of side effects can occur while taking Delix® or other drugs containing ramipril. Some patients suffer from severe skin reactions, such as developing a large skin rash (exanthema) or hives. Delix® can also cause water retention in the tissue.
Severe skin reactions with an allergy-like extent are, however, extremely rarely observed. As a rule, they only occur in patients who have a real allergy to the active ingredient ramipril or other ingredients of the drug. Furthermore, in rare cases, problems of the respiratory tract occur during the intake of Delix®.
Dry cough, sore throat and hoarseness may occur. A few patients report the occurrence of asthma attacks during treatment with Delix®. Since the effect of Delix® and other ramipril-containing medicines is to effectively lower blood pressure, circulation problems and dizziness may occur.
The increased occurrence of headaches cannot be ruled out either. Delix® must never be taken during pregnancy, as the active ingredient ramipril can lead to severe growth and bone formation disorders in the unborn child. In the worst case Delix® may even cause an abortion.
