Perindopril - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Perindopril is a drug to lower blood pressure in sufferer hypertension. Controlled blood pressure can reduce the risk of complications, including kidney failure, stroke, or heart attack. This drug is also used in the treatment of heart failure.

Perindopril is an antihypertensive ACE inhibitor. This drug works by blocking the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. This way of working will dilate blood vessels so that blood flow is smoother, eases the work of the heart, and decreases blood pressure.

Trademarkperindopril: Bioprexum, Bioprexum Plus, Cadoril, Cosyrel 5/10, Cosyrel 10/10, Coveram, Triplixam

What is Perindopril

Precautions Before Taking Perindopril

Follow the doctor's recommendations and advice while undergoing treatment with perindopril. Before using this medicine, you need to pay attention to the following things:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Perindopril should not be used in patients who are allergic to this drug or to drugs of the class ACE inhibitor others, such as ramipril.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, kidney disease, high potassium levels, dehydration, peripheral artery disease, arteriosclerosis, heart failure, lupus, diabetes, or angioedema.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, herbal products, or supplements, such as potassium supplements.
• Tell your doctor if you are having a dialysis procedure.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Use effective contraception during treatment with perindopril.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking perindopril if you plan to have surgery, including dental surgery.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while taking perindopril, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
• See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking perindopril.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Perindopril

The dose of perindopril given by the doctor may differ, depending on the type of peridopril condition, and the age of the patient. The following is a breakdown of perindopril dosages:

• Condition: Hypertension

  For adult patients the dose is 4–8 mg per day. The dose can be divided into 2 doses a day. The maximum dose is 16 mg per day.

• Condition: Heart failure

  For adult patients the dose is 2 mg per day. The dose can be adjusted according to the patient's condition in the range of 8-16 mg per day.

• Condition: Stable coronary heart disease

  For adult patients the dose is 4 mg per day, for 2 weeks. Then the dose is increased according to conditions up to a dose of 8 mg per day.

How to Take Perindopril Correctly

Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions on the drug packaging before taking perindopril. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor.

Perindopril should be taken 30 minutes before meals. Take perindopril regularly at the same time every day for the drug to be effective.

Do not stop taking perindopril, except on doctor's instructions. Stopping this drug suddenly can increase the risk of worsening the condition.

If you forget to take perindopril, take it immediately if the interval with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.

One of the side effects that can occur after taking perindopril is dizziness. Therefore, do not rush to stand up after you take perindopril.

In addition to taking blood pressure-lowering drugs, you are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle so that blood pressure can be better controlled. For example, by limiting the consumption of foods high in salt and fat, exercising regularly, and maintaining an ideal body weight.

You need to have regular check-ups with your doctor while using perindopril. A medical examination to a doctor needs to be carried out so that the development of the condition and the effectiveness of the drug can always be monitored.

Store perindopril in a closed container in a cool and dry place. Keep the medicine away from direct sunlight and keep the medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction of Perindopril with Other Drugs

Drug interaction effects that can occur if perindopril is used with certain drugs include:

• Decreased effectiveness of perindopril when used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac or ibuprofen
• Increased risk of developing low blood pressure, high potassium levels, and impaired kidney function if used with alisicren or ARBs, such as azilsartan or candesartan
• Increased risk of severe allergic reactions and infections when used with allopurinol
• Increased risk of developing hyperkalemia when used with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretic drugs, such as spironolactone or amiloride
• Increased risk of lithium drug poisoning
• Increased risk of side effects when used with tizanidine

Side Effects and Dangers of Perindopril

Side effects that can occur after taking perindopril include:

• dry cough
• Headache or fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness or feeling floating
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Call your doctor if the above side effects do not improve or get worse. See a doctor or get medical help right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:

• Swelling of the mouth, face, feet, or hands (angioedema)
• High levels of potassium in the blood which can be characterized by symptoms such as muscle weakness, slow heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, or fainting
• Impaired kidney function which can be characterized by symptoms such as infrequent urination or very little amount of urine
• Impaired liver function which can be characterized by symptoms such as yellowish skin or eyes (jaundice), severe abdominal pain, dark urine