Bioprexum Plus

Perindopril arginine and indapamide.

Each film-coated tablet contains perindopril 3.395 mg corresponding to perindopril arginine 5 mg and indapamide 1.25 mg.
It also contains the following excipients: Core: Lactose monohydrate 71.33 mg, magnesium stearate (E470B), maltodextrin, colloidal anhydrous silica (E551) and sodium starch glycolate (type A). Film-Coating: Glycerol (E422), hypromellose (E464), macrogol 6000, magnesium stearate (E470B) and titanium dioxide (E171).

Pharmacotherapeutic Group: Perindopril and diuretics. ATC Code: C09BA04.
Pharmacology: Mechanism of Action: Bioprexum Plus produces an additive synergy of the antihypertensive effects of the two components.
Pharmacodynamics: Bioprexum Plus is a combination of perindopril arginine salt, an ACE inhibitor and indapamide, a chlorosulphamoyl diuretic. Its pharmacological properties are derived from those of each of the components taken separately, in addition to those due to the additive synergistic action of the 2 products when combined.
Perindopril: Perindopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a vasoconstricting substance; in addition, the enzyme stimulates the secretion of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex and the degradation of bradykinin, a vasodilatory substance, into inactive heptapeptides.
This results in a reduction in aldosterone secretion; an increase in plasma renin activity, since aldosterone no longer exercises negative feedback; and a reduction in total peripheral resistance with a preferential action on the vascular bed in muscle and the kidney, with no accompanying salt and water retention or reflex tachycardia, with chronic treatment.
The antihypertensive action of perindopril also occurs in patients with low or normal renin concentrations.
Perindopril acts through its active metabolite, perindoprilat. The other metabolites are inactive.
Perindopril reduces the work of the heart by a vasodilatory effect on veins, probably caused by changes in the metabolism of prostaglandins, therefore having a reduction in preload; by reduction of the total peripheral resistance, therefore having a reduction in afterload.
Studies carried out on patients with cardiac insufficiency have shown a reduction in left and right ventricular filling pressures and total peripheral vascular resistance, an increase in cardiac output and regional blood flow in muscle and an improvement in the cardiac index. Exercise test results also showed improvement.
Indapamide: Indapamide is a sulphonamide derivative with an indole ring, pharmacologically related to the thiazide group of diuretics. Indapamide inhibits the reabsorption of sodium in the cortical dilution segment. It increases the urinary excretion of sodium and chlorides and to a lesser extent, the excretion of potassium and magnesium, thereby increasing urine output and having an antihypertensive action.
Characteristics of Antihypertensive Action: Bioprexum Plus: In hypertensive patients regardless of age, Bioprexum Plus exerts a dose-dependent antihypertensive effect on diastolic and systolic arterial pressure whilst supine or standing. This antihypertensive effect lasts for 24 hrs. The reduction in blood pressure is obtained in <1 month without tachyphylaxis; stopping treatment has no rebound effect. During clinical trials, the concomitant administration of perindopril and indapamide produced antihypertensive effects of a synergistic nature in relation to each of the products administered alone.
PICXEL, a multicenter, randomised, double-blind active controlled study has assessed on echocardiography the effect of perindopril/indapamide combination on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) versus enalapril monotherapy.
In PICXEL, hypertensive patients with LVH, defined as left ventricular mass index (LVMI) >120 g/m² in male and >100 g/m² in female) were randomised either to perindopril tert-butylamine 2 mg (equivalent to perindopril arginine 2.5 mg)/indapamide 0.625 mg or to enalapril 10 mg once a day for a 1-year treatment. The dose was adapted according to blood pressure control, up to perindopril tert-butylamine 8 mg (equivalent to perindopril arginine 10 mg) and indapamide 2.5 mg or enalapril 40 mg once a day. Only 34% of the subjects remained treated with perindopril tert-butylamine 2 mg (equivalent to perindopril arginine 2.5 mg)/indapamide 0.625 mg (versus 20% with enalapril 10 mg).
At the end of treatment, LVMI had decreased significantly more in the perindopril/indapamide group (-10.1 g/m²) than in the enalapril group (-1.1 g/m²) in all the randomised patients population. The between group difference in LVMI change was -8.3 [95% CI (-11.5, -5), p<0.0001].
A better effect on LVMI was reached with higher perindopril/indapamide doses than those licensed for Bioprexum Plus.
Regarding blood pressure, the estimated mean between group differences in the randomised population were -5.8 mm Hg [95% CI (-7.9, -3.7), p<0.0001] for systolic blood pressure and -2.3 mm Hg [95% CI (-3.6, -0.9), p=0.0004] for diastolic blood pressure respectively, in favor of the perindopril/indapamide group.
Perindopril: Perindopril is active in all grades of hypertension, from mild to moderate or severe. A reduction in systolic and diastolic arterial pressure is observed in the lying and standing position.
The antihypertensive activity after a single dose is maximal between 4 and 6 hrs and is maintained over 24 hrs.
There is a high degree of residual blocking of ACE at 24 hrs, approximately 80%.
In patients who respond, normalized blood pressure is reached after 1 month and is maintained without tachyphylaxis.
Withdrawal of treatment has no rebound effect on hypertension.
Perindopril has vasodilatory properties and restores elasticity of the main arterial trunks, corrects histomorphometric changes in resistance arteries and produces a reduction in LVH.
If necessary, the addition of a thiazide diuretic leads to an additive synergy.
The combination of an ACE inhibitor with a thiazide diuretic decreases the hypokalemia risk associated with the diuretic alone.
Indapamide: Indapamide, as monotherapy, has an antihypertensive effect which lasts for 24 hrs. This effect occurs at doses at which the diuretic properties are minimal.
Its antihypertensive action is proportional to an improvement in arterial compliance and a reduction in total and arteriolar peripheral vascular resistance.
Indapamide reduces left ventricular hypertrophy.
When a dose of thiazide diuretic and thiazide-related diuretics is exceeded, the antihypertensive effect reaches a plateau, whereas the adverse effects continue to increase. If the treatment is ineffective, the dose should not be increased.
Furthermore, it has been shown that in the short-term, mid-term and long-term treatment in hypertensive patients, indapamide has no effect on lipid metabolism eg, triglycerides, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol and carbohydrate metabolism, even in diabetic hypertensive patients.
Pharmacokinetics: The co-administration of perindopril and indapamide does not change their pharmacokinetic properties by comparison to separate administration.
Perindopril: After oral administration, the absorption of perindopril is rapid and the peak concentration is achieved within 1 hr. The plasma half-life of perindopril is equal to 1 hr.
Perindopril is a prodrug. Twenty seven percent (27%) of the administered perindopril dose reaches the bloodstream as the active metabolite perindoprilat. In addition to active perindoprilat, perindopril yields 5 metabolites, all inactive. The peak plasma concentration of perindoprilat is achieved within 3-4 hrs.
As ingestion of food decreases conversion to perindoprilat, hence bioavailability, perindopril arginine should be administered orally in a single daily dose in the morning before a meal.
A linear relationship between the dose of perindopril and its plasma exposure has been demonstrated.
The volume of distribution is approximately 0.2 L/kg for unbound perindoprilat. Protein-binding of perindoprilat to plasma proteins is 20%, principally to ACE, but is concentration-dependent.
Perindoprilat is eliminated in the urine and the terminal half-life of the unbound fraction is approximately 17 hrs, resulting in steady state within 4 days.
Elimination of perindoprilat is decreased in the elderly and also in patients with heart or renal failure. Dosage adjustment in renal insufficiency is desirable depending on the degree of impairment [creatinine clearance (CrCl)].
Dialysis clearance of perindoprilat is equal to 70 mL/min.
Perindopril kinetics are modified in patients with cirrhosis because hepatic clearance of the parent molecule is reduced by half. However, the quantity of perindoprilat formed is not reduced and therefore no dosage adjustment is required (see Dosage & Administration and Precautions).
Indapamide: Indapamide is rapidly and completely absorbed from the digestive tract.
The peak plasma level is reached in humans approximately 1 hr after oral administration of the product. Plasma protein-binding is 79%.
The elimination half-life is between 14 and 24 hrs (average of 18 hrs). Repeated administration does not produce accumulation. Elimination is mainly in the urine (70% of the dose) and feces (22%) in the form of inactive metabolites.
The pharmacokinetics are unchanged in patients with renal insufficiency.
Toxicology: Preclinical Safety Data: Bioprexum Plus has slightly increased toxicity than that of its components. Renal manifestations do not seem to be potentiated in the rat. However, the combination produces gastrointestinal toxicity in the dog and the toxic effects on the mother seem to be increased in the rat (compared to perindopril).
Nonetheless, these adverse effects are shown at dose levels corresponding to a very marked safety margin by comparison to the therapeutic doses used.
Preclinical studies performed separately with perindopril and indapamide did not show genotoxic, carcinogenic or teratogenic potential.

Treatment of essential hypertension in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on perindopril alone.

1 tab/day as a single dose, preferably to be taken in the morning and before a meal.
When possible, individual dose titration with the components is recommended.
Elderly: Treatment should be initiated after considering blood pressure response and renal function (see Precautions).
Renal Impairment: In severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min), treatment is contraindicated (see Contraindications).
In patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30-60 mL/min), it is recommended to start treatment with the adequate dosage of the free combination (see Precautions).
In patients with CrCl ≥60 mL/min, no dose modification is required. Usual medical follow-up will include frequent monitoring of creatinine and potassium.
Hepatic Impairment: In severe hepatic impairment, treatment is contraindicated (see Contraindications).
In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, no dose modification is required (see Pharmacokinetics under Actions and Precautions).
Children and Adolescents: Bioprexum Plus should not be used in children and adolescents as the efficacy and tolerability of perindopril in children and adolescents, alone or in combination, have not been established.

Symptoms: The most likely adverse reaction in cases of overdose is hypotension, sometimes associated with nausea, vomiting, cramps, dizziness, sleepiness, mental confusion, oliguria which may progress to anuria (due to hypovolemia). Salt and water disturbances (low sodium and potassium levels) may occur.
Treatment: The first measures to be taken consist of rapidly eliminating the product(s) ingested by gastric lavage and/or administration of activated charcoal, then restoring fluid and electrolyte balance in a specialized center until they return to normal.
If marked hypotension occurs, this can be treated by placing the patient in a supine position with the head lowered. If necessary an IV infusion of isotonic saline may be given or any other method of volemic expansion may be used.
Perindoprilat, the active form of perindopril, can be dialysed (see Pharmacokinetics under Actions).

Due to the lack of sufficient therapeutic experience, Bioprexum Plus should not be used in dialysis patients and patients with untreated decompensated heart failure.
Perindopril: Hypersensitivity to perindopril or any other ACE inhibitor. History of angioedema (Quincke's edema) associated with previous ACE inhibitor therapy. Hereditary/idiopathic angioedema. 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy (see Use in pregnancy & lactation under Precautions).
Indapamide: Hypersensitivity to indapamide or to any other sulphonamides. Severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min). Hepatic encephalopathy. Severe hepatic impairment. Hypokalemia. As a general rule, indapamide is inadvisable in combination with non-antiarrhythmic agents causing Torsades de pointes (see Interactions). Lactation (see Use in pregnancy & lactation under Precautions).

Perindopril and Indapamide: Lithium: The combination of lithium and the combination of perindopril and indapamide is usually not recommended (see Interactions).
Perindopril: Neutropenia/Agranulocytosis: Neutropenia/agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia and anemia have been reported in patients receiving ACE inhibitors. In patients with normal renal function and no other complicating factors, neutropenia occurs rarely. Perindopril should be used with extreme caution in patients with collagen vascular disease, immunosuppressant therapy, treatment with allopurinol or procainamide, or a combination of these complicating factors, especially if there is preexisting impaired renal function. Some of these patients developed serious infections which in a few instances did not respond to intensive antibiotic therapy. If perindopril is used in such patients, periodical monitoring of white blood cell counts is advised and patients should be instructed to report any sign of infection (eg, sore throat, fever).
Hypersensitivity/Angioedema: Angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx has been reported rarely in patients treated with ACE inhibitors, including perindopril. This may occur at any time during treatment. In such cases perindopril should be discontinued promptly and appropriate monitoring should be instituted to ensure complete resolution of symptoms prior to dismissing the patient. In those instances where swelling has been confined to the face and lips, generally resolved without treatment, although antihistamines have been useful in relieving symptoms.
Angioedema associated with laryngeal edema may be fatal. Where there is involvement of the tongue, glottis or larynx, likely to cause airway obstruction, appropriate therapy, which may include epinephrine SC solution 1:1000 (0.3-0.5 mL) and/or measures to ensure a patent airway, should be administered promptly.
Black patients receiving ACE inhibitors have been reported to have a higher incidence of angioedema compared to non-Blacks.
Patients with a history of angioedema unrelated to ACE inhibitor therapy may be at increased risk of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor (see Contraindications).
Intestinal angioedema has been reported rarely in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. These patients presented with abdominal pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); in some cases, there was no prior facial angioedema and C-1 esterase levels were normal. The angioedema was diagnosed by procedures including abdominal CT scan or ultrasound or at surgery and symptoms resolved after stopping the ACE inhibitor. Intestinal angioedema should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients on ACE inhibitors presenting with abdominal pain.
Anaphylactoid Reactions During Desensitization: There have been isolated reports of patients experiencing sustained, life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions while receiving ACE inhibitors during desensitization treatment with hymenoptera (bees, wasps) venom. Angiotensin-converting enzymes inhibitors should be used with caution in allergic patients treated with desensitization and avoided in those undergoing venom immunotherapy. However these reactions could be prevented by temporary withdrawal of ACE inhibitor for at least 24 hrs before treatment in patients who require both ACE inhibitors and desensitization.
Anaphylactoid Reactions During LDL-Apheresis: Rarely, patients receiving ACE inhibitors during low density lipoprotein (LDL)-apheresis with dextran sulphate have experienced life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions. These reactions were avoided by temporarily withholding ACE inhibitor therapy prior to each apheresis.
Hemodialysis Patients: Anaphylactoid reactions have been reported in patients dialysed with high-flux membranes (eg, AN 69) and treated concomitantly with an ACE inhibitor. In these patients, consideration should be given to using a different type of dialysis membrane or a different class of antihypertensive agent.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics, Potassium Salts: The combination of perindopril and potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium salts is usually not recommended (see Interactions).
Use in Pregnancy and Lactation: Angiotensin-converting enzymes inhibitors should not be initiated during pregnancy. Unless continued ACE inhibitor therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative antihypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors should be stopped immediately and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started (see Contraindications and Use in pregnancy & lactation under Precautions).
Use of perindopril is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Indapamide: When liver function is impaired, thiazide diuretics and thiazide-related diuretics may cause hepatic encephalopathy. Administration of the diuretic should be stopped immediately if this occurs.
Photosensitivity: Cases of photosensitivity reactions have been reported with thiazides and thiazide-related diuretics (see Adverse Reaction). If photosensitivity reaction occurs during treatment, it is recommended to stop the treatment. If a readministration of the diuretic is deemed necessary, it is recommended to protect exposed areas to the sun or to artificial UVA.

Perindopril and Indapamide: Renal Impairment: In cases of severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min), treatment is contraindicated.
In certain hypertensive patients without preexisting apparent renal lesions and for whom renal blood tests show functional renal insufficiency, treatment should be stopped and possibly restarted either at a low dose or with 1 constituent only.
In these patients, usual medical follow-up will include frequent monitoring of potassium and creatinine, after 2 weeks of treatment and then every 2 months during therapeutic stability period. Renal failure has been reported mainly in patients with severe heart failure or underlying renal failure including renal artery stenosis.
Bioprexum Plus is usually not recommended in case of bilateral renal artery stenosis or a single functioning kidney.
Hypotension and Water and Electrolyte Depletion: There is a risk of sudden hypotension in the presence of preexisting sodium depletion (particularly in individuals with renal artery stenosis). Therefore systematic testing should be carried out for clinical signs of water and electrolyte depletion, which may occur with an intercurrent episode of diarrhea or vomiting. Regular monitoring of plasma electrolytes should be carried out in such patients.
Marked hypotension may require the implementation of an IV infusion of isotonic saline.
Transient hypotension is not a contraindication to continuation of treatment. After re-establishment of a satisfactory blood volume and blood pressure, treatment can be started again either at a reduced dose or with only 1 of the constituents.
Potassium Levels: The combination of perindopril and indapamide does not prevent the onset of hypokalaemia particularly in diabetic patients or in patients with renal failure. As with any antihypertensive agent containing a diuretic, regular monitoring of plasma potassium levels should be carried out.
Bioprexum Plus should not be administered to patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, Lapp-lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
Perindopril: Cough: A dry cough has been reported with the use of ACE inhibitors. It is characterized by its persistence and disappearance when treatment is withdrawn. An iatrogenic etiology should be considered in the event of this symptom. If the prescription of an ACE inhibitor is still preferred, continuation of treatment may be considered.
Patients with Known Atherosclerosis: The risk of hypotension exists in all patients but particular care should be taken in patients with ischaemic heart disease or cerebral circulatory insufficiency, with treatment being started at a low dose.
Renovascular Hypertension: The treatment for renovascular hypertension is revascularization. Nonetheless, ACE inhibitors can be beneficial in patients presenting with renovascular hypertension who are awaiting corrective surgery or when such a surgery is not possible.
If Bioprexum Plus is prescribed to patients with known or suspected renal artery stenosis, treatment should be started in a hospital setting at a low dose and renal function and potassium levels should be monitored, since some patients have developed a functional renal insufficiency which was reversed when treatment was stopped.
Other Populations: In patients with severe cardiac insufficiency (grade IV) or in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (spontaneous tendency to increased levels of potassium), treatment should be started under medical supervision with a reduced initial dose. Treatment with β-blockers in hypertensive patients with coronary insufficiency should not be stopped, the ACE inhibitor should be added to the β-blocker.
Diabetic Patients: The glycaemia levels should be closely monitored in diabetic patients previously treated with oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin, namely during the 1st month of treatment with an ACE inhibitor.
Ethnic Differences: As with other ACE inhibitors, perindopril is apparently less effective in lowering blood pressure in Black people than in non-Blacks, possibly because of a higher prevalence of low-renin states in the Black hypertensive population.
Surgery/Anesthesia: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors can cause hypotension in cases of anaesthesia, especially when the anesthetic administered is an agent with hypotensive potential.
It is therefore recommended that treatment with long-acting ACE inhibitors eg, perindopril should be discontinued where possible 1 day before surgery.
Aortic or Mitral Valve Stenosis/Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Angiotensin-converting enzymes inhibitors should be used with caution in patients with an obstruction in the outflow tract of the left ventricle.
Hepatic Failure: Rarely, ACE inhibitors have been associated with a syndrome that starts with cholestatic jaundice and progresses to fulminant hepatic necrosis and, sometimes, death. The mechanism of this syndrome is not understood. Patients receiving ACE inhibitors who develop jaundice or marked elevations of hepatic enzymes should discontinue the ACE inhibitor and receive appropriate medical follow-up (see Adverse Reaction).
Hyperkalaemia: Elevations in serum potassium have been observed in some patients treated with ACE inhibitors, including perindopril. Risk factors for the development of hyperkalaemia include those with renal insufficiency, worsening of renal function, age (>70 years), diabetes mellitus, intercurrent events, in particular dehydration, acute cardiac decompensation, metabolic acidosis and concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone, eplerenone, triamterene or amiloride), potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes; or those patients taking other drugs associated with increases in serum potassium (eg, heparin). The use of potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium-containing salt substitutes particularly in patients with impaired renal function may lead to a significant increase in serum potassium. Hyperkalaemia can cause serious, sometimes fatal arrhythmias. If concomitant use of the previously mentioned agents is deemed appropriate, they should be used with caution and with frequent monitoring of serum potassium (see Interactions).
Use in children and adolescents: The efficacy and tolerability of perindopril in children and adolescents, alone or in combination, have not been established.
Risk of Arterial Hypotension and/or Renal Insufficiency (In Cases of Cardiac Insufficiency, Water and Electrolyte Depletion, etc.): Marked stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been observed particularly during marked water and electrolyte depletions (strict sodium-free diet or prolonged diuretic treatment), in patients whose blood pressure was initially low, in cases of renal artery stenosis, congestive heart failure or cirrhosis with edema and ascites.
The blocking of this system with an ACE inhibitor may therefore cause, particularly at the time of the 1st administration and during the 1st 2 weeks of treatment, a sudden drop in blood pressure and/or an increase in plasma levels of creatinine, showing a functional renal insufficiency. Occasionally this can be acute in onset, although rare and with a variable time to onset. In such cases, the treatment should then be initiated at a lower dose and increased progressively.
Use in the elderly: Renal function and potassium levels should be tested before the start of treatment. The initial dose is subsequently adjusted according to blood pressure response, especially in cases of water and electrolyte depletion, in order to avoid sudden onset of hypotension.
Indapamide: Water and Electrolyte Balance: Sodium Levels: These should be tested before treatment is started, then at regular intervals. All diuretic treatment can cause a reduction in sodium levels, which may have serious consequences. Reduction in sodium levels can be initially asymptomatic and regular testing is therefore essential. Testing should be more frequent in elderly and cirrhotic patients (see Overdosage and Adverse Reaction).
Potassium Levels: Potassium depletion with hypokalemia is a major risk with thiazide diuretics and thiazide-related diuretics. The risk of onset of lowered potassium levels (<3.4 mmol/L) should be prevented in some high risk populations eg, elderly and/or malnourished subjects, whether or not they are taking multiple medications, cirrhotic patients with edema and ascites, coronary patients and patients with heart failure.
In such cases, hypokalemia increases the cardiac toxicity of cardiac glycosides and the risk of rhythm disorders.
Subjects presenting with a long QT interval are also at risk, whether the origin is congenital or iatrogenic. Hypokalemia, as with bradycardia, acts as a factor which favors the onset of severe rhythm disorders, in particular Torsades de pointes, which may be fatal.
In all cases, more frequent testing of potassium levels is necessary. The 1st measurement of plasma potassium levels should be carried out during the 1st week following the start of treatment.
If low potassium levels are detected, correction is required.
Calcium Levels: Thiazide diuretics and thiazide-related diuretics may reduce urinary excretion of calcium and cause a mild and transient increase in plasma calcium levels. Markedly raised levels of calcium may be related to undiagnosed hyperparathyroidism. In such cases, the treatment should be stopped before investigating the parathyroid function.
Blood Glucose: Monitoring of blood glucose is important in diabetic patients, particularly when potassium levels are low.
Uric Acid: Tendency to gout attacks may be increased in hyperuricaemic patients.
Renal Function and Diuretics: Thiazide diuretics and thiazide-related diuretics are only fully effective when renal function is normal or only slightly impaired (creatinine levels lower than approximately 25 mg/L ie, 220 micromol/L for an adult).
In the elderly, the value of plasma creatinine levels should be adjusted to take account of the age, weight and sex of the patient, according to the Cockroft formula:
CrCl = (140 - age) x body weight/0.814 x plasma creatinine level.
With age expressed in years, body weight in kg and plasma creatinine level in micromol/L. This formula is suitable for an elderly male and should be adapted for women by multiplying the result by 0.85.
Hypovolemia, resulting from the loss of water and sodium caused by the diuretic at the start of treatment, causes a reduction in glomerular filtration. It may result in an increase in blood urea and creatinine levels. This transitory functional renal insufficiency is of no adverse consequence in patients with normal renal function but may however worsen a preexisting renal impairment.
Athletes: Athletes should note that Bioprexum Plus contains an active substance which may cause a positive reaction in doping tests.
Effects on the Ability to Drive or Operate Machinery: Neither perindopril, indapamide nor Bioprexum Plus affect alertness but individual reactions related to low blood pressure may occur in some patients, particularly at the start of treatment or in combination with another antihypertensive medication.
As a result, the ability to drive or operate machinery may be impaired.
Use in pregnancy & lactation: Perindopril: The use of ACE inhibitors is not recommended during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. The use of ACE inhibitors is contraindicated during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy (see Contraindications).
Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogenicity following exposure to ACE inhibitors during the 1st trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however, a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Unless continued ACE inhibitor therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative antihypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors should be stopped immediately and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.
Exposure to ACE inhibitor therapy during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters is known to induce human fetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia). (See Toxicology under Actions.)
Should exposure to ACE inhibitors have occurred from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound check of renal function and skull is recommended.
Infants whose mothers have taken ACE inhibitors should be closely observed for hypotension (see Contraindications).
Indapamide: Prolonged exposure to thiazide during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy can reduce maternal plasma volume as well as uteroplacental blood flow, which may cause a fetoplacental ischemia and growth retardation. Moreover, rare cases of hypoglycemia and thrombocytopenia in neonates have been reported following exposure near term.
Bioprexum Plus is contraindicated during lactation.
Use of perindopril is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Indapamide is excreted in human milk. Indapamide is closely related to thiazide diuretics which have been associated, during breastfeeding, with decrease or even suppression of milk lactation. Hypersensitivity to suphonamide-derived drugs, hypokalaemia and nuclear icterus might occur.
As with both drugs, serious adverse reactions might occur in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue therapy taking account the importance of this to the mother.

Angiotensin-converting enzymes inhibitors should not be initiated during pregnancy. Unless continued ACE inhibitor therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative antihypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors should be stopped immediately and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.
Use of perindopril is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Perindopril: The use of ACE inhibitors is not recommended during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. The use of ACE inhibitors is contraindicated during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.
Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogenicity following exposure to ACE inhibitors during the 1st trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however, a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Unless continued ACE inhibitor therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative antihypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors should be stopped immediately and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.
Exposure to ACE inhibitor therapy during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters is known to induce human fetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia). (See Toxicology under Actions.)
Should exposure to ACE inhibitors have occurred from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound check of renal function and skull is recommended.
Infants whose mothers have taken ACE inhibitors should be closely observed for hypotension.
Indapamide: Prolonged exposure to thiazide during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy can reduce maternal plasma volume as well as uteroplacental blood flow, which may cause a fetoplacental ischemia and growth retardation. Moreover, rare cases of hypoglycemia and thrombocytopenia in neonates have been reported following exposure near term.
Bioprexum Plus is contraindicated during lactation.
Use of perindopril is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Indapamide is excreted in human milk. Indapamide is closely related to thiazide diuretics which have been associated, during breastfeeding, with decrease or even suppression of milk lactation. Hypersensitivity to suphonamide-derived drugs, hypokalaemia and nuclear icterus might occur.
As with both drugs, serious adverse reactions might occur in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue therapy taking account the importance of this to the mother.

The administration of perindopril inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis and tends to reduce the potassium loss caused by indapamide. Four percent (4%) of the patients on treatment with Bioprexum Plus experience hypokalemia (potassium level <3.4 mmol/L).
The following undesirable effects could be observed during treatment and ranked under the following frequency: Very common (>1/10); common (>1/100, <1/10); uncommon (>1/1000, <1/100); rare (>1/10,000, <1/1000), very rare (<1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Very Rare: Thrombocytopenia, leucopenia/neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia, hemolytic anaemia.
Anaemia has been reported with ACE inhibitors in specific circumstances (patients who have had kidney transplants, patients undergoing hemodialysis). (See Precautions.)
Psychiatric Disorders: Uncommon: Mood or sleep disturbances.
Nervous System Disorders: Common: Paraesthesia, headache, asthenia, feelings of dizziness, vertigo. Very Rare: Confusion.
Eye Disorders: Common: Visual disturbance.
Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: Common: Tinnitus.
Vascular Disorders: Common: Hypotension, whether orthostatic or not (see Precautions).
Cardiac Disorders: Very Rare: Arrhythmia including bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, angina pectoris and myocardial infarction possibly secondary to excessive hypotension in high-risk patients (see Precautions).
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Common: A dry cough has been reported with the use of ACE inhibitors. It is characterised by its persistence and disappearance when treatment is withdrawn. An iatrogenic etiology should be considered in the presence of this symptom. Dyspnea. Uncommon: Bronchospasm. Very Rare: Eosinophilic pneumonia, rhinitis.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Common: Constipation, dry mouth, nausea, epigastric pain, anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, taste disturbance, dyspepsia, diarrhea. Very Rare: Pancreatitis.
Hepatobiliary Disorders: Very Rare: Hepatitis either cytolytic or cholestatic (see Precautions). Not Known: In case of hepatic insufficiency, there is a possibility of onset of hepatic encephalopathy (see Contraindications and Precautions).
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Common: Rash, pruritus, maculopapular eruptions. Uncommon: Angioedema of face, extremities, lips, mucous membranes, tongue, glottis and/or larynx, urticaria (see Precautions). Hypersensitivity reactions, mainly dermatological, in subjects with a predisposition to allergic and asthmatic reactions; purpura. Possible aggravation of preexisting acute disseminated lupus erythematosus. Very Rare: Erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Cases of photosensitivity reactions have been reported (see Precautions).
Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders: Common: Cramps.
Renal and Urinary Disorders: Uncommon: Renal insufficiency. Very Rare: Acute renal failure.
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Uncommon: Impotence.
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Common: Asthenia. Uncommon: Sweating.
Investigations: Potassium depletion with particularly serious reduction in levels of potassium in some at risk populations (see Precautions). Reduced sodium levels with hypovolemia causing dehydration and orthostatic hypotension. Increase in uric acid levels and in blood glucose levels during treatment. Slight increase in urea and in plasma creatinine levels, reversible when treatment is stopped. This increase is more frequent in cases of renal artery stenosis, arterial hypertension treated with diuretics, renal insufficiency. Increased levels of potassium, usually transitory. Rare: Raised plasma calcium levels.

Perindopril and Indapamide: Concomitant Use Not Recommended: Lithium: Reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with ACE inhibitors. Concomitant use of thiazide diuretics may further increase lithium levels and enhance the risk of lithium toxicity with ACE inhibitors. Use of perindopril combined with indapamide with lithium is not recommended, but if the combination proves necessary, careful monitoring of serum lithium levels should be performed (see Precautions).
Concomitant Use which Requires Special Care: Baclofen: Potentiation of antihypertensive effect. Monitoring of blood pressure and renal function and antihypertensive dose-adaptation if necessary.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Including Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) at High Doses: When ACE inhibitors are administered simultaneously with NSAIDs (ie, ASA at anti-inflammatory dosage regimens, COX-2 inhibitors and nonselective NSAIDs), attenuation of the antihypertensive effect may occur. Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs may lead to an increased risk of worsening of renal function, including possible acute renal failure and an increase in serum potassium, especially in patients with poor preexisting renal function. The combination should be administered with caution, especially in the elderly. Patients should be adequately hydrated and consideration should be given to monitoring renal function after initiation of concomitant therapy and periodically thereafter.
Concomitant Use which Requires Some Care: Imipramine-Like Antidepressants (Tricyclics), Neuroleptics: Increased antihypertensive effect and risk of orthostatic hypotension (additive effect).
Corticosteroids, Tetracosactide: Reduction in antihypertensive effect (salt and water retention due to corticosteroids).
Other Antihypertensive Agents: Use of other antihypertensive medicinal products with perindopril/indapamide could result in additional blood pressure lowering effect.
Perindopril: Concomitant Use Not Recommended: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (Spironolactone, Triamterene, Alone or In Combination), Potassium (Salts): Angiotensin-converting enzymes inhibitors attenuate diuretic-induced potassium loss. Potassium-sparing diuretics eg, spironolactone, triamterene or amiloride, potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes may lead to significant increases in serum potassium (potentially lethal). If concomitant use is indicated because of documented hypokalaemia they should be used with caution and with frequent monitoring of serum potassium and by electrocardiogram (ECG).
Concomitant Use which Requires Special Care: Antidiabetic Agents (Insulin, Hypoglycemic Sulphonamides): Reported with captopril and enalapril.
The use of ACE inhibitors may increase the hypoglycemic effect in diabetics receiving treatment with insulin or with hypoglycaemic sulphonamides. The onset of hypoglycaemic episodes is very rare (improvement in glucose tolerance with a resulting reduction in insulin requirements).
Concomitant Use which Requires Some Care: Allopurinol, Cytostatic or Immunosuppressive Agents, Systemic Corticosteroids or Procainamide: Concomitant administration with ACE inhibitors may lead to an increased risk for leukopenia.
Anaesthetic Drugs: Angiotensin-converting enzymes inhibitors may enhance the hypotensive effects of certain anaesthetic drugs.
Diuretics (Thiazide or Loop Diuretics): Prior treatment with high-dose diuretics may result in volume depletion and in a risk of hypotension when initiating therapy with perindopril.
Gold: Nitritoid reactions (symptoms include facial flushing, nausea, vomiting and hypotension) have been reported rarely in patients on therapy with injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate) and concomitant ACE inhibitor therapy including perindopril.
Indapamide: Concomitant Use which Requires Special Care: Torsade de Pointes-Inducing Drugs: Due to the risk of hypokalaemia, indapamide should be administered with caution when associated with medicinal products that induce Torsade de pointes eg, class IA antiarrhythmic agents (quinidine, hydroquinidine, disopyramide); class III antiarrhythmic agents (amiodarone, dofetilide, ibutilide, bretylium, sotalol); some neuroleptics (chlorpromazine, cyamemazine, levomepromazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine), benzamides (amisulpride, sulpiride, sultopride, tiapride), butyrophenones (droperidol, haloperidol), other neuroleptics (pimozide); other substances such as bepridil, cisapride, diphemanil, IV erythromycin, halofantrine, mizolastine, moxifloxacin, pentamidine, sparfloxacin, vincamine IV, methadone, astemizole, terfenadine. Prevention of low potassium levels and correction if necessary by monitoring of the QT interval.
Potassium-Lowering Drugs: Amphotericin B (IV route), glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids (systemic route), tetracosactide, stimulant laxatives cause increased risk of low potassium levels (additive effect). Monitoring of potassium levels and correction if necessary; particular consideration required in cases of treatment with cardiac glycosides. Nonstimulant laxatives should be used.
Cardiac Glycosides: Low potassium levels favor the toxic effects of cardiac glycosides. Potassium levels and ECG should be monitored and treatment reconsidered if necessary.
Concomitant Use which Requires Some Care: Metformin: Lactic acidosis due to metformin caused by possible functional renal insufficiency linked to diuretics and in particular to loop diuretics. Do not use metformin when plasma creatinine levels >15 mg/L (135 micromol/L) in men and 12 mg/L (110 micromol/L) in women.
Iodinated Contrast Media: In cases of dehydration caused by diuretics, there is an increased risk of acute renal insufficiency, particularly when high doses of iodinated contrast media are used. Rehydration should be carried out before the iodinated compound is administered.
Calcium (Salts): Risk of increased levels of calcium due to reduced elimination of calcium in the urine.
Ciclosporin: Risk of increased creatinine levels with no change in circulating levels of ciclosporin, even when there is no salt and water depletion.

Keep container tightly closed. Protect from moisture.
Shelf-Life: 3 years.

ACE Inhibitors/Direct Renin Inhibitors / Diuretics

C09BA04 - perindopril and diuretics ; Belongs to the class of ACE inhibitors in combination with diuretics. Used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

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