What is Perindopril?
Perindopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Perindopril can be used for treating high blood pressure in blood vessels (hypertension) as well as to help prevent heart attacks in patients with coronary arterial disease. Perindopril is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this medication guide.
Side effects of Perindopril
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction, such as an allergic reaction that causes hives, extreme stomach pain, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue, It is possible that you are more likely to suffer from a reaction to an allergen if you are African-American.
Perindopril may cause serious side effects. Consult your physician right away. If you suffer from:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're about to pass out.
- Fever, chills, bodyaches, and flu symptoms such as sores on your throat and mouth
- Very little or no urine;
- Swelling and rapid weight gain
- High potassium -- nausea, a slow or irregular pace of heart, weakness, or loss of movement
- Pale skin, easily bleeding or bruising
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Common adverse effects of perindopril could include:
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Avoid using it when you are expecting. If you find yourself pregnant, then stop taking perindopril and notify your doctor immediately. Perindopril should not be used when you've had angioedema. Don't take perindopril for more than 36 hours prior to or following using a medicine that has sacubitril (such as Entresto).
If you suffer from diabetes, be sure not to take perindopril with any medication that has an ingredient called aliskiren (a blood pressure medication).
Before taking this medication
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to perindopril or:
- You have hereditary angioedema.
- You recently had an anti-heart medicine known as sacubitril.
- You are allergic to other ACE inhibitors, including benazepril, captopril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, or trandolapril.
Do not take perindopril for more than 36 hours prior to or after taking a medicine containing sacubitril (such as Entresto).
If you suffer from diabetes, avoid using perindopril with any other medication that contains the ingredient aliskiren (a blood pressure medication).
You might also have to stay clear of taking perindopril in combination with aliskiren when you suffer from kidney problems.
Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Renal disease (or if you're taking dialysis);
- The liver condition;
- Heart disease, also known as congestive heart failure,
- Diabetes or
- A connective tissue condition like marfan syndrome, sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Do not take this medication if you are pregnant, and inform your doctor right away when you discover that you are pregnant. Perindopril can cause injuries or even death to an unborn baby if you use the medication during your third or second trimester.
It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor regarding any risks.
How to take Perindopril?
Follow all the instructions on your prescription label, and review all medication guides and instructions sheets. Your doctor may alter the dosage. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed. Every dose is taken by drinking a glass of water. Take plenty of liquids when you take perindopril. Perindopril can be taken in combination with food or not.
Your blood pressure is likely to be monitored regularly. Your liver or kidney function could also be assessed. Contact your physician if you have persistent diarrhea or if you have been sweating more than normal. It is possible to become dehydrated when taking perindopril. This can result in high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, or kidney failure. If you are in need of surgery, be sure to inform your surgeon in advance that you're taking perindopril.
If you're receiving treatment to treat high blood pressure, continue taking this medication, even if you feel good. A high blood pressure can have no signs. It could be necessary to take blood pressure medications throughout your life. Keep it at room temperature, free of heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Coronary Artery Disease:
Initial dosage: 4 mg taken orally every day for two weeks. Then increase the dose to maintain it as tolerated.
Dosage for maintenance: 8 mg, orally every day
Treatment for patients suffering from stable coronary artery disease decreases the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and nonfatal heart attacks.
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dosage: 4 mg orally at least once per day.
Maintenance dosage: 4–8 mg daily orally in 2 or 1 divided dose.
Maximum dose: 16 mg/day
Comments: For patients being treated by diuretics, think about cutting down on the dose of diuretic prior to starting the medication.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Coronary Artery Disease:
Over 70 Years:
Initial dose:
Week 1: 2 mg taken orally, every day, once
Week 2: 4 mg taken orally every day, and then increase to the maintenance dose according to tolerance.
Dosage for maintenance 8 mg taken orally, at least once per day
Use: Treatment for patients with stable coronary arterial disease to lower the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and non-fatal heart attacks.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: 4 mg per day, in one or two doses divided into two.
Comments on doses that exceed 8 mg are very limited to administering with care, attentive blood pressure monitoring, and gradual dosage titration.
Do I be concerned if I miss a dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, avoid your missed dosage if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.
What will happen if I take excessively?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not get up too quickly from a lying or seated posture, as you might get dizzy. Make sure to get up slowly and steadily to avoid falling.
Don't take sodium supplements or substitutes for salt except if your doctor has advised you to.
Interaction with other drugs
Inform your doctor about all other medications, particularly:
- Lithium;
- Diuretic, also known as a "water pill";
- Gold injections for the treatment of arthritis as well as
- These are nsaids (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): aspirin, ibuprofen (advil, motrin), naproxen (aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac (also known as indomethacin), diclofe, and a few others.
This list is not exhaustive. Other medications can interfere with perindopril, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of all drugs are listed here.
