Perindopril is a type of medication known a an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It is prescribed to patients at high risk of heart attack or stroke, and patients who have recently had a heart attack or heart surgery.
When blood pressure is too high, the heart and arteries are forced to work much harder to pump blood around the body. Overexertion can lead to damaged vessels in the brain, heart and kidneys, heart failure, stroke or kidney failure. Perindopril work by blocking the mechanism of a substance in the body which causes blood vessels to constrict This relaxes the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and increasing the supply of oxygen to the heart.
Perindopril will begin to work within just a few hours of your first dose, but it will take a few weeks for it to take full effect.
The active ingredient in Perindopril is perindopril tert-butylamine.
The inactive ingredients in Perindopril are lactose anhydrous and magnesium stearate.
Please Note: Different generic brands may contain different inactive ingredients.
Never start taking Perindopril without the instruction of a doctor. You will begin with a low dose that can be gradually increased over time if necessary.
Perindopril tablets should be taken once daily in the morning and before a meal. Your daily dose will be decided by a doctor. Perindopril works best when taken regularly, but if you forget to take a dose dont worry - just take your next dose at the normal time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Perindopril tablets can be crushed or split to reduce the dosage or to make them easier to swallow.
Perindopril is usually taken for life. Never stop taking this medication without the instruction of a doctor.
The maximum dose of Perindopril of 8 mg per day. The recommended starting dose for treatment of high blood pressure or stable coronary artery disease in adults is 4 mg per day. For treating heart failure, or patients over the age of 65, the recommended starting dose is 2 mg per day. For patients with kidney problems, a doctor will need to alter the dose according the kidney function.
Like all medications, Perindopril can cause side effects in some patients. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking your tablets and contact your doctor immediately:
Common side effects, which can affect up to 1 in 10 people, include:
Less common side effects (affecting u to 1 in 100 people) include:
The following rare side effects may affect up to 1 in 1000 people:
Very rarely (1 in 10,000) the following side effects may be experienced:
Do NOT take Perindopril if:
Before taking Perindopril, talk to your doctor if:
Before taking Perindopril, tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including those purchased over the counter without a prescription. In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
You should avoid using salt substitutes such as Lo-Salt, which are high in potassium. When used in combination with Perindopril, they can cause the potassium levels in your blood to become too high. Drinking alcohol with Perindopril can increase its blood pressure-lowering effect, causing you to feel dizzy. It is best to alcohol during the first few days of treatment, and to stop drinking altogether if dizziness persists.
There is not evidence to suggest that Perindopril affects fertility in men or women. Tell your doctor if you are female and planning on becoming pregnant, as they may suggest an alternative high blood pressure treatment.
Before taking Perindopril, speak to your doctor if you think you might be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy, and must NOT be taken after the third month of pregnancy. Perindopril is not suitable for use in women who are breastfeeding.
Most people do not experience side effects of Perindopril, and when they do, they are generally mild. Perindopril can cause you to feel dizzy at first, and for this reason your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dose. If you experience dizziness, stop what you are doing and find somewhere to lie down until the sensation had passed. Do not try to drive, ride a bike, or operate heavy machinery. Mild headaches can be managed by drinking plenty of fluids and taking painkillers where necessary. However, if headaches or dizziness continue for longer than a week, spek to your doctor for advice.
Making a few changes to your lifestyle will help to reduce blood pressure and contribute to your overall wellbeing. The main cause of high blood pressure is having too much salt in the diet, so try and limit your intake to the recommended maximum of 6g per day. Cut back on fatty foods and include plenty plenty of fruit and vegetable, wholegrains and lean proteins in your diet. If you haven’t already done so, quit smoking, and reduce the amount of alcohol you drink to the recommended limit of 14 units per week. Exercising regularly will help to keep your heart and blood vessels in good condition and will also help to relieve stress. Stress can also cause blood pressure to rise, so it is best to try and avoid it where possible. Spend time with family and friends, go for daily walks and try and find time to relax.
Treatment with Perindopril is usually long-term, often for the rest of your life.
Perindopril is safe for long term use and works best when used over a long period of time. Many people continue to take Perindopril for the rest of their lives.
You should tell your doctor if you are scheduled to undergo surgery whilst taking Perindopril, as it can reduce your blood pressure when used in combination with a general anaesthetic. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking Perindopril 24 hours before surgery.
Perindopril is not addictive.
Perindopril is not a beta blocker, it is an ACE inhibitor. Beta blockers can also be prescribed to treat high blood pressure.
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