Perindopril is used on its own or together with other medicines to keep your blood pressure under control. This medicine helps relax your blood vessels consequently lowering your blood pressure.
Perindopril may also be used to treat other conditions such as heart failure and disorder of the blood vessels of the heart.
Take Perindopril exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before your meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Perindopril must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have previously experienced a serious allergic reaction which causes swelling of the face, lips and throat due to an unknown reason or a family history, as Perindopril may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Perindopril if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Perindopril may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Do not take Perindopril with aliskiren (medicine used to treat high blood pressure) if you have diabetes and severe kidney disease.
Do not take this medicine with sacubitril/valsartan (medicine for heart failure) as it may increase the risk of causing swelling of the face, tongue and difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease such as narrowing of the valves of the heart
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (abnormally thick heart muscle)
- diabetes
- electrolyte imbalance
- liver disease
- kidney disease or undergoing dialysis treatment
- immune system disease affecting collagen
- abnormal levels of a hormone known as aldosterone in the blood
If you are of Black race, Perindopril may be less effective. Inform your doctor if you are taking this medicine.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Perindopril.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. He may also need to do routine blood tests while you are being treated with Perindopril.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity (e.g. walking) at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to kick your smoking habit.
Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up.
Perindopril may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
You may also feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the very first time. This is common and should improve gradually as you get used to Perindopril. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position. If you are also taking this medicine for the first time, take the first dose of Perindopril at bedtime to minimise dizziness.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, tiredness, weakness, back pain, muscle cramps, rash, nausea, dry cough, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
- difficulty in breathing
- chest pain
- eye pain, blurring of vision
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- fever with persistent sore throat, and unusual bleeding or bruising
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Perindopril with aliskiren (medicine used to treat high blood pressure) if you have diabetes and severe kidney disease.
Do not take this medicine with sacubitril/valsartan, a medicine to help keep blood pressure under control.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. losartan, prazosin, hydralazine
- medicines for heart diseases e.g. nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, metformin, gliclazide, sitagliptin
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. aspirin, diclofenac, indometacin
- medicines used to avoid organ transplant rejection e.g. everolimus, sirolimus, temsirolimus
- medicine for depression e.g. lithium
- potassium supplements (either as a medicine or a as a salt substitute)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Perindopril.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Speak to your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
