What is the difference between Quinapril and Ramipril?

Quinapril and Ramipril are both ACE Inhibitors, so they work through the same broad mechanism. They differ in dosing, half-life, side-effect frequency, and how individual patients tolerate them. See the head-to-head sections below for the specifics.

Can Quinapril and Ramipril be used for the same conditions?

Both medications are prescribed for overlapping indications including INDICATIONS AND USAGE Hypertension Quinapril tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension and to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events. Always verify with your prescriber and the current FDA label before switching.

Is Quinapril the same as Ramipril?

No. Quinapril (Quinapril) and Ramipril (Ramipril) are distinct medications. They are sometimes confused because of similar branding or because they treat overlapping conditions, but they have different active ingredients and different safety profiles.

Which has fewer side effects, Quinapril or Ramipril?

Side-effect frequency varies by individual. The side-effect comparison section on this page shows FAERS-reported events for each drug side by side. FAERS is voluntary reporting, so it reflects what patients and clinicians chose to report, not absolute population risk.

Can I switch from Quinapril to Ramipril?

Switching medications should always be done under prescriber supervision. The "patient stories" section on this page includes accounts from people who have made the switch and what their transition felt like, but those are individual experiences, not protocols.

Quinapril vs Ramipril

Compare Quinapril (Quinapril) and Ramipril (Ramipril), clinical data, side effects, and patient experiences.

Quinapril

Quinapril, Accupril · ACE Inhibitor

How it works

Other agent

Approved for

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Hypertension Quinapril tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension

to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events

including

as appropriate

OralTablet

Ramipril

Ramipril, Altace, Tritace · ACE Inhibitor

How it works

12.1 Mechanism of Action Ramipril and ramiprilat inhibit ACE in human subjects and animals. Angiotensin converting enzyme is a peptidyl dipeptidase that catalyzes the conversion of...

Approved for

See full prescribing information

OralTablet

Quick Comparison

QuinaprilRamipril

Drug Class

ACE Inhibitor

Route

Oral

Half-Life

N/A

FDA Approved

N/A

Pregnancy

N/A

Side Effect Frequency Comparison

Estimated frequency (%) based on clinical trial data

Side Effects

Quinapril

Falls

1-10%

Low Blood Pressure

1-10%

Constipation

1-10%

Shortness of Breath

1-10%

Drug Not Working

1-10%

Ramipril

Shortness of Breath

1-10%

Fatigue

1-10%

Nausea

1-10%

Diarrhea

1-10%

Dizziness

1-10%

Drug Not Working

1-10%

Vomiting

1-10%

Headache

1-10%

FDA Warnings

Quinapril

WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY • When pregnancy is detected, discontinue quinapril as soon as possible
• Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus
See Warnings: Fetal Toxicity WARNINGS Anaphylactoid and Possibly Related Reactions Presumably because ACE inhibitors affect the metabolism of eicosanoids and polypeptides, including endogenous bradykinin, patients receiving ACE inhibitors (including quinapril) may be subject to a variety of adverse reactions, some of them serious
Angioedema associated with laryngeal edema can be fatal

Ramipril

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ACE inhibitor use has been associated with the following: • Angioedema, with increased risk in patients with a prior history ( 5
3 ) • Increased risk of renal impairment when combined with another blocker of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system ( 5
, ACE inhibitors) affect the metabolism of eicosanoids and polypeptides, including endogenous bradykinin, patients receiving these drugs (including ramipril) may be subject to a variety of adverse reactions, some of them serious
Angioedema Head and Neck Angioedema: Patients with a history of angioedema unrelated to ACE inhibitor therapy may be at increased risk of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor

Clinical Trial Data

No head-to-head clinical studies found for Quinapril vs Ramipril.

Quinapril vs Ramipril: What You Should Know

Key Differences

Both Quinapril and Ramipril belong to the ACE Inhibitor class. While they share a similar mechanism of action, differences in pharmacokinetics, dosing, and side effect profiles may make one more suitable than the other for individual patients.

Safety Considerations

Quinapril carries 4 FDA warnings. Ramipril carries 4 FDA warnings. Patients should discuss all warnings and contraindications with their healthcare provider before starting or switching medications..

This comparison is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medication decisions.

Related Comparisons

Lisinopril vs Ramipril→Ramipril vs Trandolapril→Captopril And Hydrochlorothiazide vs Ramipril→Ramipril vs Trandolapril Tablets→Captopril vs Ramipril→Ramipril vs Trandolapril And Verapamil Hydrochloride→

Primary sources

Every figure on this comparison links back to its primary source. See data sources and methodology for the full provenance trail.

Quinapril: DailyMed label · FAERS adverse events · ClinicalTrials.gov
Ramipril: DailyMed label · FAERS adverse events · ClinicalTrials.gov

Loading comparison data...

Quinapril vs Ramipril

Compare Quinapril (Quinapril) and Ramipril (Ramipril), clinical data, side effects, and patient experiences.

Quinapril

Quinapril, Accupril · ACE Inhibitor

How it works

Other agent

Approved for

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Hypertension Quinapril tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension

to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events

including

as appropriate

OralTablet

Ramipril

Ramipril, Altace, Tritace · ACE Inhibitor

How it works

12.1 Mechanism of Action Ramipril and ramiprilat inhibit ACE in human subjects and animals. Angiotensin converting enzyme is a peptidyl dipeptidase that catalyzes the conversion of...

Approved for

See full prescribing information

OralTablet

Quick Comparison

QuinaprilRamipril

Drug Class

ACE Inhibitor

Route

Oral

Half-Life

N/A

FDA Approved

N/A

Pregnancy

N/A

Side Effect Frequency Comparison

Estimated frequency (%) based on clinical trial data

Side Effects

Quinapril

Falls

1-10%

Low Blood Pressure

1-10%

Constipation

1-10%

Shortness of Breath

1-10%

Drug Not Working

1-10%

Ramipril

Shortness of Breath

1-10%

Fatigue

1-10%

Nausea

1-10%

Diarrhea

1-10%

Dizziness

1-10%

Drug Not Working

1-10%

Vomiting

1-10%

Headache

1-10%

FDA Warnings

Quinapril

WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY • When pregnancy is detected, discontinue quinapril as soon as possible
• Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus
See Warnings: Fetal Toxicity WARNINGS Anaphylactoid and Possibly Related Reactions Presumably because ACE inhibitors affect the metabolism of eicosanoids and polypeptides, including endogenous bradykinin, patients receiving ACE inhibitors (including quinapril) may be subject to a variety of adverse reactions, some of them serious
Angioedema associated with laryngeal edema can be fatal

Ramipril

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ACE inhibitor use has been associated with the following: • Angioedema, with increased risk in patients with a prior history ( 5
3 ) • Increased risk of renal impairment when combined with another blocker of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system ( 5
, ACE inhibitors) affect the metabolism of eicosanoids and polypeptides, including endogenous bradykinin, patients receiving these drugs (including ramipril) may be subject to a variety of adverse reactions, some of them serious
Angioedema Head and Neck Angioedema: Patients with a history of angioedema unrelated to ACE inhibitor therapy may be at increased risk of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor

Clinical Trial Data

No head-to-head clinical studies found for Quinapril vs Ramipril.

Quinapril vs Ramipril: What You Should Know

Key Differences

Safety Considerations

Quinapril carries 4 FDA warnings. Ramipril carries 4 FDA warnings. Patients should discuss all warnings and contraindications with their healthcare provider before starting or switching medications..

This comparison is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medication decisions.