Perindopril

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Coversyl, Pearinda, Peristar, Prexum, Vectoryl

Popular combinations:

Bioprexum Plus, Coveram, Coversyl Plus, Pearinda Plus, Prexum Plus

Drug group:

ACE inhibitor and antihypertensive drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Perindopril is used to treat:

• High blood pressure – used alone or in combination with other antihypertensives
• Heart failure - usually combined with a diuretic
• It also used to reduce the risk of cardiac events in patients with certain heart conditions

How does it work?

Perindopril is an ACE inhibitor - it relaxes the muscles in the blood-vessel walls, allowing the vessels to dilate, making blood flow easier and reducing the workload on the heart.

How should it be used?

• When starting perindopril your blood pressure can drop very rapidly – take the first dose when you can stay lying down
• Best taken 30 minutes before food, at a similar time each day, usually in the morning
• Treatment of high blood pressure includes a low salt diet and regular exercise

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

Initially 2mg, then 4–8mg once daily

How quickly will it start to work?

30–60 minutes; full beneficial effect may take several weeks       

How long will the effects last?

24 hours                  

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor   
                              

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Small risk of kidney impairment or blood abnormalities, regular checks on potassium levels, white blood cell count, kidney function, and urine are needed.

What are the possible side effects?

Side effects are usually mild and transient.

The following have been reported:

• More common: persistent dry cough (in 20% of patients), rash
• Less common: mouth ulcers, sore mouth, dizziness, sore throat, fever
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: swelling of the mouth or lips, breathing difficulties

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: kidney/liver/heart problems, previous angioedema or allergic reaction to ACE inhibitors, current/planned pregnancy
• Other medicines: lithium, vasodilators, diuretics, other antihypertensives, ciclosporin, potassium salts, potassium-sparing diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not prescribed in pregnancy (evidence of harm to the developing foetus), safety not established in breastfeeding
• Children: Not recommended
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug can cause dizziness and fainting
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced blood-pressure-lowering and other side effects
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: Perindopril may need to be stopped prior to surgery