Perindopril

What is Perindopril?

Perindopril is used in the management of hypertension (high blood pressure. Perindopril can be used alone or combined with other high blood pressure medications, such as amlodipine.  Perindopril is in the category of ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors such as perindopril arginine and perindopril erbumine lower blood pressure by reducing the constriction (tightening) of blood vessels that is caused by a substance called angiotensin II. This means that Perindopril allows the blood vessels to relax and widen, reducing your blood pressure. Because Perinodpril widens the blood vessels, it can also be used to treat heart failure and coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD the arteries that supply blood to the heart are narrowed, which causes angina (chest pain).

How does Perindopril work?

Perindopril is an ACE inhibitor. This means that it interferes with the processes that allow a substance called angiotensin I to turn to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict and narrow, increasing blood pressure. By interferring with the converison of angiotensin I into angiotensin II, Perindopril reduces the amound of angiotensin II in the body, meaning that blood vessels are able to relax and widen, reducing your blood pressure.

Perindopril also helps to lower your blood pressure in another way. It reduces the levels of a hormone called aldosterone, which in turn, reduces the levels of water and sodium in the body. This has the effect of reducing your blood pressure.

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in Perindopril is perindopril erbumine (Aceon) or perindopril arginine (Coversyl or Coversum). Both perindopril erbumine and perindopril arginine are considered equally effective for the treatment of high blood pressure.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients in Perindopril are silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate,  and cellulose (microcrystalline), but inactive ingredients can vary between different brands of drug.

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

Perindopril is a medication that is rarely associated with a severe allergic reaction. If you are allergic to the active or inactive ingredients of this medication, please refrain from taking the medication and let your prescribing doctor know. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction are: lip/eye swelling, hives, finding it hard to breathe and dizziness. Get medical help as soon as possible. 

How to take Perindopril

You must always take Perindopril as instructed by your doctor – never take more than your specified dose. Swallow the medicine whole with a glass of water – do not crush, chew or break the tablets. Perindopril is most effective when taken on an empty stomach as more of the dose is absorbed into the bloodstream. The medication may cause dizziness in some users; for this reason, your doctor may advise you to take your first dose at bedtime. If you do not experience any dizziness, it is recommended that you take your dose at the same time each morning, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. 

High Blood Pressure Dosage

Initially, take 4mg a day. This will be increased by your doctor every two weeks, up to a maximum of 16mg a day, to ensure you get the right dose. You should take your medication at the same time every day, ideally in the morning. However, Perindopril is available in 2mg, 4mg and 8mg tablets and your doctor may advise you to take your Perindopril in several doses over the course of the day.

Coronary Artery Disease Dosage

For Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), initially take 4mg a day. This will be increased every two weeks up to a maximum of 8mg a day. You should take your medication at the same time each day, but your doctor may allow you to take your medication in smaller doses over the course of the day.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of Perindopril, you should take it as soon as you can, unless it is less than 12 hours until your next dose is due. You should not double-dose or take two doses close together, as this could cause dangerous side effects and lower your blood pressure to unsafe levels. 

Most Common

• Headache,
• Fatigue
• Dizziness.
• Dry cough
• Body aches or pain
• Chills
• Difficulty breathing
• Ear congestion
• Fever
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose

Less Common

• Cloudy urine
• Bladder pain
• Painful urination
• Diarrhea
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Low sodium
• Excess potassium
• Low blood sugar

Drug Interactions

• Aspirin
• NSAIDs
• Indapamide
• Lyrica
• Nitroglycerine
• Viagra
• Valsartan (Diovan, Prexxartan)

Cautions

There are 9 disease interactions with perindopril:

• History of angioedema (swelling)
• Bone marrow suppression (immune system)
• Heart Failure
• Dialysis
• Low blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Liver impairment

Contraindications

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• End-stage kidney disease
• Severe liver disease
• History of allergy to the ingredients
• Diabetes