Perindopril

• Perindopril is part of the ACE inhibitor family of medications
• Perindopril is used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems
• Initially perindopril can make you feel dizzy, so it is best to take the first dose at bedtime
• Perindopril can cause a dry, irritating cough – if this occurs you should speak to your doctor as a different medication may better suit you
• Perindopril is often prescribed alongside other medications to treat high blood pressure or heart disease
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Perindopril is a medication that belongs to a family of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors. It is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. 

Perindopril can also be prescribed to protect the heart from further damage after a heart attack or to treat heart failure. ACE inhibitors block the production of angiotensin II. By blocking this hormone, the blood vessels become wider, and the kidneys start to work more effectively. This in turn helps to lower the blood pressure to a healthy level.

Perindopril also helps in heart failure by reducing the amount of fluid in your blood vessels and protecting the heart from excess strain. 

Perindopril is available as a tablet. It should be taken in the morning with some water, before eating breakfast.

Perindopril tablets are available in three different strengths, 2mg, 4mg and 8mg.

For high blood pressure, the recommended starting dose is 4mg, although some patients may start on 2mg before gradually increasing the dose.

For heart failure, a common starting dose is 2mg. 

Patients with kidney disease may be started on a lower dose at first. It is important to follow your individual prescribing instructions carefully to ensure you take the correct dose.

Like all medications, perindopril can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Cough
• Headache
• Tingling or pins and needles
• Visual disturbances
• Tinnitus (ringing or noises in the ear)
• Low blood pressure (which may cause dizziness)
• Breathlessness
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Acid reflux
• Nausea or vomiting (feeling sick or being sick)
• Rash or itching
• Muscle cramps
• Lack of energy or strength.

These side effects are likely to settle down, but if they persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice. If you notice dizziness, you must take care especially when sitting up from the bed, or standing up from sitting or lying. Performing these movements more slowly may be helpful.

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Perindopril may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you:

• Have kidney disease
• Have liver disease
• Have atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in your blood vessels)
• Have peripheral arterial disease (blood vessel disease in the extremities)
• Have systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, or another collagen vascular disease
• Have cardiomyopathy
• Have heart valve disease including aortic stenosis
• Have ever had angioedema (face, tongue, or throat swelling)
• Have regular dialysis treatment
• Have treatment to remove cholesterol from your blood (LDL apheresis)
• Are having desensitisation treatment against insect stings 
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
• Have ever had an allergic reaction to perindopril, another ACE inhibitor, or any other medication.

Your prescriber can then advise whether perindopril is a suitable medication for you.

Some medications can interact with perindopril. You may be advised that perindopril will not suit you if you already take:

• Other medications for high blood pressure or heart failure
• Immunosuppressant treatments
• Estramustine (a cancer treatment)
• Co-trimoxazole (an antibiotic)
• Certain diuretics (sometimes known as “water tablets”)
• Lithium
• Certain medications for diabetes
• Baclofen
• Anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen and aspirin.

Because perindopril may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that perindopril will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, perindopril will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription. Perindopril will then be conveniently dispatched from one of our partner pharmacies.