Perindopril
About Perindopril
Perindopril is 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, which lowers blood pressure by blocking the naturally occurring substance angiotensin II (which tightens your blood vessels).
You may sometimes experience headaches, ankle swelling, a slow heart rate, and nausea. Most of the side effects of Perindopril do not require medical attention and resolve gradually 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. 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.
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 (which tightens your blood vessels).
- Perindopril allows these constricted blood vessels to relax, thereby helping lower high blood pressure.
- 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
- Take Perindopril with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- It is advised to take Perindopril once daily; however, follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow Perindopril as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Perindopril
- Cough
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Weakness
- Nausea (feeling sick)
Drug Warnings
- Perindopril should not be given to people who are allergic to Perindopril, have low blood pressure (less than 90 mmHg), have had a heart attack, kidney disease, liver disease, pregnant women or women 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 raise your blood potassium level (hyperkalemia). Besides this, do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Perindopril.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Perindopril should not be given to 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 about 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
unsafeUsing Perindopril is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeDrive with caution, Perindopril may cause blurry vision, and dizziness or weariness may occur.
Liver
cautionRare elevations in liver enzymes (such as bilirubin) have been observed while taking Perindopril, so it must be taken with caution. If you have a history of liver disease or condition, your doctor may need to adjust the dose.
Kidney
cautionPerindopril should be used with caution, especially in cases of severe kidney disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor. Perindopril should be given with precaution in hemodialysis conditions.
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 to 2300 mg or less per day; 1500 mg or less 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), heart attack (when blood supply to the heart is blocked), brain damage (stroke), and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with a blood pressure monitor (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 mmHg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mmHg, and the diastolic pressure is 90 mmHg. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.
FAQs
Perindopril is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
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 about 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 medication even after your blood pressure is under control or normal, as it can suddenly rise 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, take it only as long as your doctor has prescribed it.
Before surgery, you should inform your doctor that you are taking Perindopril to reduce your blood pressure when used along with anaesthesia, which is given before a major operation.
If you forget to take Perindopril, take it as soon as you remember, then continue taking it at the usual times. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
