Perindopril is a medication used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure. In patients with high blood pressure, this medication can help to reduce the risk of kidney problems, heart attacks, strokes, and other serious complications. Perindopril may be used in conjunction with other treatments for patients with heart disease.
Perindopril
What are Perindopril tablets?
Perindopril is a medication used for lowering blood pressure in people with hypertension. This medication belongs to a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. They work by dilating and relaxing the blood vessels within the body to ensure that your blood can flow more freely. Because they make it easier for blood to flow around your body, ACE inhibitors can also be prescribed to people following a heart attack to reduce their risk of further cardiac damage. Perindopril can reduce the risk of future heart attacks and strokes in people with high blood pressure or other conditions with their heart and circulatory system. This medicine comes in tablet form and is only available to take on prescription. In some cases, Perindopril may be used in combination with other medications for high blood pressure.
What are Perindopril tablets used for?
Perindopril is used primarily for the treatment of hypertension, or high blood pressure. Although high blood pressure does not necessarily cause any symptoms by itself, it can increase your risk of complications like heart attacks, strokes, and even kidney failure. Perindopril helps to reduce this risk and ensure that you can live a longer, healthier life. In some cases, Perindopril may be prescribed to patients to reduce their risk of a fatal heart attack if they have coronary artery disease or another form of heart failure. This drug may be prescribed after a heart attack to improve blood flow in the body. Perindopril belongs to a class of medications called ACE inhibitors and can be used alongside other medications for the treatment of hypertension.
How to use Perindopril for high blood pressure
Unlike some other treatment options for hypertension, Perindopril is only available in tablet form. You will need to read the information provided by your doctor, or the information that is included in the medication packet when taking this drug. Make sure that you check the instructions for this medication every time you get a new prescription. Perindopril works best when it is used regularly every day. Take this medication by mouth, according to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. This usually means taking a tablet once a day. You do not need to take this medication with food, but some people find that they are less likely to suffer from stomach ache and nausea if they take it before a meal. Ideally, to ensure that you take Perindopril at the same time each day, it’s a good idea to set an alarm to remind you to take it. This will also reduce your risk of side effects if you miss a dose. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Perindopril and increase the amount that you take over time. Make sure that you continue taking this medication even if you begin to feel better.
If you miss a dose of Perindopril accidentally, you can take the tablet as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose if it is too close to your usual medication time. Do not take an extra dose of Perindopril at the same time as your regular dose to make up for a forgotten pill.
What is the correct dosage for Perindopril tablets?
These tablets are available as Perindopril 2 mg, 4 mg and 8 mg. The dose that you are given will depend on why you’re taking the medication and your previous response to treatment. To decide what the correct dose is for you, your doctor will check your blood pressure and discuss your medical history with you. You may need regular blood pressure tests when taking this drug. Perindopril comes in the form of Perindopril erbumine or Perindopril arginine. Both drugs work similarly, but the dose might vary. For instance, when you are taking Perindopril erbumine, the usual starting dose is between 2 mg and 4 mg a day. Your doctor may increase this to up to 8 mg if you are recovering after a heart attack.
If you are taking Perindopril arginine, then the starting dose is typically between 2.5 and 5 mg per day. Your dose may be increased over a few weeks to reduce the risk of side effects. The dose for patients after a heart attack can be increased to 10 mg per day. If you accidentally take too many pills and are concerned that you may have been exposed to an overdose, contact the emergency services immediately for help. Always notify a doctor in the event of a possible overdose.
Does Perindopril have any side effects?
All medications can cause side effects, including Perindopril. Most people will not experience any severe side effects with this drug. However, you may notice that you get a few symptoms initially that get better over time as your body adjusts to the medicine. The most common side effects of Perindopril will disappear by themselves. These include a dry and tickly cough, feeling lightheaded or dizzy, and suffering from headaches. Some patients taking Perindopril get a mild skin rash and may have vomiting and diarrhoea. You may also notice slightly blurred vision.
If you experience any more severe side effects when using Perindopril, you should contact your doctor or an emergency healthcare provider immediately. Perindopril can sometimes cause liver problems, which could appear in the form of yellowing of your eyes or skin. If you notice that you are paler than usual, are bleeding from the gums, have a sore throat, or are getting regular infections, this could be a sign of a bone marrow or blood disorder. Tell your doctor if you’re experiencing any heart or lung problems that appear with symptoms like wheezing or pain in your chest, a faster heart rate or trouble breathing. An inflamed pancreas may also occur when taking Perindopril which appears in the form of severe stomach pain. Although Perindopril can be used to reduce your risk of kidney problems, it may also cause kidney issues in very rare circumstances. If you notice blood in your urine, problems with going to the bathroom, or swollen ankles, contact your doctor. Severe allergic reactions are not common with Perindopril, but they are possible. Do not hesitate to seek medical assistance if you have swollen lips, a swollen throat or tongue, trouble breathing, or you feel extremely dizzy.
When should you not use Perindopril tablets?
Perindopril tablets are available for adults over the age of 18. However, this medication will not be suitable for everyone. To make sure that this drug is safe for you, make sure you tell your doctor about your complete medical history, including whether you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or any other ACE inhibitors. You should also speak to your doctor if you have ever had any heart, liver or kidney problems, or are having treatment for blood filtration. If you have unstable blood pressure or low blood pressure, then your doctor may suggest another medication. If you are on a low-salt diet, then Perindopril may not be suitable for you. Additionally, Perindopril is not recommended for people with blood problems that lower their white blood cell count.
Does Perindopril interact with any other medications?
Perindopril may interact with other medications. This is why it is always important to tell your doctor about any other drugs that you are taking before you begin using Perindopril. Make sure your doctor is aware of all of the medications that you might be using, including any supplements, herbal medications, or drugs that you can buy over the counter. Perindopril may not be suitable to use with other ACE inhibitors, as they may cause your blood pressure to become too low, which can be dangerous too. Additionally, lithium, gold injections, and certain drugs that weaken the immune system can be dangerous when taken alongside Perindopril. This medication can increase the level of potassium in your blood, which means that it is not suitable to take alongside any other supplements or medications that include potassium. This may include certain birth control pills. Perindopril can cause a very serious reaction if you have an injection for a wasp or bee sting allergy.
Where can you buy Perindopril?
Perindopril is available to buy from any pharmacist online or offline. It is not available over the counter, as you will need a consultation with a doctor to ensure that this medication is right for you. Make sure that you speak to a registered medical professional before ordering this medication to ensure that it is safe for you to use.
Can you get Perindopril without a prescription?
Perindopril is not available without a prescription. We can arrange for you to have a consultation with a registered healthcare professional where you can discuss your condition and medical history. The healthcare professional will determine whether it is safe to give you a prescription for Perindopril based on your symptoms and family history. If Perindopril is not suitable for you, then your doctor may be able to suggest an alternative form of treatment.
References
Dexcel Pharma Ltd, 2019, Online, EMC Medicines.org.uk, Enalapril Maleate Tablets 2.5mg, [Accessed on the 20th of June 2019], Available on: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2666/pil
Helen Marshall, BPHarm, MRPharmS, Online, 2017, Perindopril side effects and monitoring, [Accessed on the 20th of June 2019], Available on: https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/heart-blood/a28110/perindopril-side-effects-and-monitoring/
Medline Plus, Online, 2019 Perindopril, [Accessed on the 20th of June 2019], Available on: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a602017.html
Frequently asked questions
What are the side effects of Perindopril?
Like all medicines, Perindopril may cause side effects. But not everyone experiences them. They can include swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.
How do you use Perindopril?
Take your tablet with a glass of water, preferably at the same time every day – ideally in the morning, before breakfast. Your doctor will determine the right dose for you.