What is this medication for?
Perindopril belongs to the class of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce the risk problems associated with heart disease (e.g., heart attack or death). It works by relaxing blood vessels and by making the heart pump more efficiently. It may be used alone or in combination with other medications.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
For high blood pressure, the recommended dose of perindopril ranges from 4 mg to 8 mg in one dose or two divided doses. The maximum dose is 16 mg daily.
For heart disease, the recommended dose of perindopril ranges from 2 mg to 8 mg daily.
If you are older than 65, have kidney disease, or are taking diuretics (water pills), you may require lower doses.
For best results, perindopril should be taken on an empty stomach.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Perindopril should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to perindopril or any of the ingredients of the medication
- is allergic to any member of the family of medications known as ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, ramipril, captopril)
- has had angioedema (a serious allergic reaction which causes the area around the throat and tongue to swell) after taking any other ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril, ramipril)
