What Is Perindopril?
Perindopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent heart attack in people with coronary artery disease.
Perindopril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Do not use perindopril if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
You should not use perindopril if you have hereditary angioedema.
If you have diabetes, do not use perindopril together with any medication that contains aliskiren.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to perindopril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril , lisinopril, moexipril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.
If you have diabetes, do not use perindopril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking perindopril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
You should not use perindopril if you have hereditary angioedema.
To make sure you can safely take perindopril, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- liver disease;
- heart disease or congestive heart failure;
- diabetes; or
- a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
It is not known whether perindopril passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Perindopril Side Effects
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
- little or no urinating;
- swelling, rapid weight gain;
- high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling);
- pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- dizziness;
- back pain; or
- cough.
Perindopril Interactions
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking perindopril, unless your doctor has told you to.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with perindopril, especially:
- gold injections to treat arthritis;
- lithium;
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others;
- a potassium supplement;
- salt substitutes that contain potassium; or
- a diuretic or "water pill."
Perindopril Dosage
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking perindopril.
Perindopril can be taken with or without food.
Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be checked.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using perindopril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include feeling extremely dizzy or light-headed, or fainting.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Perindopril Pictures
