Perindopril
About
Perindopril is anti-hypertensive medication, prescribed alone or in combination with other drugs. Perindopril belongs to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Hypertension (High blood pressure) is a condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the artery walls becomes so high that it causes health problems, such as heart disease.
Perindopril contains Perindopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor; it reduces increased blood pressure by blocking a naturally occurring substance known as angiotensin II (that tightens your blood vessels). Perindopril relaxes and widens the blood vessels. This lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. However, Perindopril does not cure high blood pressure (hypertension) but does help control it. In addition to this, Perindopril also reduces the physical effects of anxiety.
You can take Perindopril with a meal or after/before a meal. Your doctor will advise you on the exact dosage and how often you have to take Perindopril based on your medical condition. You may sometimes experience headaches, ankle swelling, slow heart rate, and nausea. Perindopril may lower your blood pressure, especially if taken with alcohol. So, avoid driving and operating heavy machinery. Most of these side effects of Perindopril do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Try not to stop taking this medicine on your own, even if your blood pressure becomes routine. Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have liver, kidney, or heart problems. Inform your doctor if you are allergic or hypersensitive to any component present in Perindopril or if you are pregnant, suspect you are pregnant, plan to have a baby or if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe Perindopril only if the benefits outweigh the risk. Before taking the Perindopril, inform your doctor about your medical history and ongoing therapies to rule out any potential adverse effects or interactions.
Uses of Perindopril
Medicinal Benefits
Perindopril contains Perindopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor; it reduces increased blood pressure by blocking a naturally occurring substance known as angiotensin II (that tightens your blood vessels). Perindopril allows these constricted blood vessels to relax and therefore help lower high blood pressure. However, Perindopril does not cure high blood pressure (hypertension) but does help control it. In addition to this, Perindopril also reduces the physical effects of anxiety.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Perindopril
- Cough
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Weakness
- Nausea (feeling sick)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Perindopril should not be given to the people allergic to Perindopril, have low blood pressure (less than 90 mm of Hg), have had a heart attack, kidney disease, liver disease, pregnant women or planning to get pregnant and breastfeeding women. Besides this, tell your doctor if you have low blood pressure (hypotension), heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or are currently on dialysis. Perindopril is not recommended in neonates and children with worse kidney functioning (glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min). The raised bilirubin level has been reported in some cases, so patients with liver diseases (like cirrhosis, jaundice, yellowing of skin/eye, etc.) should take the Perindopril with caution. Do not take Perindopril with alcohol as it may cause low blood pressure (hypotension) with symptoms of dizziness, drowsiness, weariness, or sleepiness. Tell your doctor you are using the Perindopril before undergoing dental or other surgery. Your doctor might stop this medicine before the surgery.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Perindopril may interact with medication used for heart failure, high blood pressure (nitroglycerin, aliskiren, losartan, valsartan, olmesartan, candesartan, captopril, enalapril), epilepsy and anxiety medications (pregabilin), diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, bumetanide, chlorthalidone, indapamide), NSAIDS (naproxen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, celecoxib), narcotic analgesics (codeine) and medication used for mania and depression (lithium).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid intake of high potassium and sodium intake. Including these in your diet might increase the level of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia). Besides this, do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Perindopril.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Perindopril should not be given in patients with angioedema (swelling), bone marrow suppression, congestive heart failure, hemodialysis (A medical procedure to remove fluid and waste products from the blood and to correct electrolyte imbalances), hyperkalemia (high potassium level), low blood pressure (hypotension), liver disease, and kidney dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafePerindopril may enhance the hypotensive (low blood pressure) effect of this drug. For better advice, you should consult your doctor whether you can take Perindopril with alcohol.
Pregnancy
unsafeThe use of Perindopril or any ACE inhibitors is usually contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It may cause harm to the developing fetus. Hence, you should always consult your doctor before using Perindopril.
Breast Feeding
cautionUse of Perindopril is not recommended during the breastfeeding stage.
Driving
unsafeDrive with caution, Perindopril may cause blurry vision, and dizziness or weariness may occur.
Liver
cautionRare elevation in the liver enzymes (like bilirubin) has been observed while taking Perindopril, so it must be taken with caution. If you have a history of liver diseases/conditions, the dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionPerindopril to be taken with caution, especially in case of severe kidney disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor. Perindopril should be given with precaution in hemodialysis condition.
Children
cautionPerindopril is not recommended for children. The safety and effectiveness of Perindopril have not been established in children due to limited testing of this drug on children by competent authorities worldwide. If necessary, your doctor will decide whether to give Perindopril or not.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9.
- Regular physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week. Doing this can help lower your raised blood pressure by about 5 mm Hg.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
- Limit sodium chloride (table salt) intake in your daily diet to 2300 mg daily or less than 1500 mg is ideal for most adults.
- If you are taking alcohol, then only one serving for women and two for men is advisable.
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
- Avoid chronic stress as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spend time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to help lower your elevated blood pressure.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Blood pressure is the measurement of the force our heart uses to pump blood to all body parts. Hypertension is a chronic condition when blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. High blood pressure (hypertension) can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when blood supply to the heart is blocked), brain damage (stroke), and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg, and diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg.
FAQs
Perindopril contains Perindopril, and it reduces increased blood pressure by blocking a naturally occurring substance known as angiotensin II (that tightens your blood vessels). Perindopril relaxes and widens the blood vessels. This lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. However, Perindopril does not cure high blood pressure (hypertension) but does help control it.
No, alcohol should be avoided while taking Perindopril as it may cause excessive drowsiness. It enhances the hypotensive (low blood pressure) effect of Perindopril. For better advice, you should consult your doctor whether you can take Perindopril with alcohol.
No, it is a prescribed drug given by a physician for preventing specific medical conditions. Taking it on your own can cause unwanted side-effects.
The use of Perindopril is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. The use of Perindopril or any ACE inhibitors is usually contraindicated during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Hence, you should always consult your doctor's doctor before using Perindopril.
It is advised to continue your medicine even after your blood pressure is under control or becomes normal as blood pressure can shot up at any time. If you have any discomfort, please consult your doctor immediately.
Usually, Perindopril is prescribed for a long term treatment ranging from months to years for treating heart-related conditions and disorders. However, taking it on your own for years without a doctor's consent can be fatal. Hence, only take it as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you.
Before surgery, you should inform your doctor that you are taking Perindopril to reduce your blood pressure when used along with anesthesia, which is given before a major operation.
If you forget to take Perindopril at any time, take it as soon as you remember, then continue to take it at the usual times. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
