Perindopril

Perindopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Perindopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It makes blood flow more smoothly by preventing the production of certain natural chemicals that tighten the blood vessels.

High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

Perindopril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. To help you remember to take perindopril, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take perindopril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of perindopril and gradually increase your dose.

Perindopril controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take perindopril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking perindopril without talking to your doctor.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking perindopril,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to perindopril, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (n Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in perindopril tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking valsartan and sacubitril (Entresto) or if you have stopped taking it within the last 36 hours. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take perindopril, if you are also taking valsartan and sacubitril. Also, tell your doctor if you have diabetes and you are taking aliskiren (Tekturna, in Amturnide, Tekamlo, Tekturna HCT). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take perindopril if you have diabetes and you are also taking aliskiren.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), diuretics ('water pills'), heparin, indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex), lithium (Lithobid), and potassium supplements (K-Dur, Klor-Con, others). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• tell your doctor if you are on dialysis and if have or have ever had heart failure; lupus (SLE); scleroderma; diabetes; angioedema (swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, and/or lower legs); or kidney or liver disease.

• tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

• you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

• Perindopril may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • cough

  • headache

  • weakness

  • dizziness

  • diarrhea

  • stomach pain

  • upset stomach

• Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

  • hoarseness

  • difficulty swallowing or breathing

  • lightheadedness

  • fainting

  • fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection

  • irregular or rapid heartbeats

• Perindopril may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

• If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.