What is Perindopril for?
Perindopril belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). ACEIs block the substances that constrict the blood vessels and hence more blood and oxygen can reach the heart. Perindopril is therefore used in heart conditions such as heart failure and stable coronary artery disease.
How to use it?
Perindopril is available as Perindopril erbumine and Perindopril arginine. Both can be taken by mouth as tablets. Perindopril should be taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meal).
The dosage may be adjusted by your doctor depending on your medical condition and response to medication. The maximum dosage for Perindopril erbumine is 8 mg daily, while the maximum dosage for Perindopril arginine is 10 mg daily.
High blood pressure
Adult
Perindopril erbumine: Initially 4 mg once daily, adjusted according to response.
Perindopril arginine: Initially 5 mg once daily, adjusted according to response.
Elderly
Perindopril erbumine: Initially 2 mg once daily, may increase to 4 mg if necessary.
Perindopril arginine: Initially 2.5 mg once daily, may increase to 5 mg if necessary.
Heart failure
Adult
Perindopril erbumine: Initially 2 mg once daily, preferably in the morning. Adjust dose according to response. Usual maintenance dose is 4 mg once daily.
Perindopril arginine: Initially 2.5 mg once daily, preferably in the morning. Adjust dose according to response. Usual maintenance dose is 5 mg once daily.
Stable coronary artery disease
Adult
Perindopril erbumine: Initially 4 mg once daily for 2 weeks, adjusted according to response.
Perindopril arginine: Initially 5 mg once daily for 2 weeks, adjusted according to response.
Elderly
Perindopril erbumine: Initially 2 mg once daily for 1 week, then may increase to 4 mg once daily, or further titrate to 8 mg once daily according to response.
Perindopril arginine: Initially 2.5 mg once daily for 1 week, then may increase to 5 mg once daily, or further titrate to 10 mg once daily according to response.
What are the side effects of Perindopril?
Common side effects of Perindopril include low blood pressure, angioedema, kidney impairment, dry cough, and elevated potassium levels.
Who should not take Perindopril?
- People who are allergic to Perindopril, other angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or any formulation ingredient
- Patients with angioedema caused by prior ACE inhibitor use
- Patients on Aliskiren with poor kidney function or diabetes
- Pregnant women and those who are trying to get pregnant
Pharmacist Tips:
- This medication can make you dizzy. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you respond to Perindopril.
- Report to your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of angioedema (deep swelling around the eyes and lips) when you use this medication.
- This medication may cause a dry cough. Tell your doctor if you have a sustained or persistent cough.
- Do not stop the medication abruptly if you have used Perindopril over long periods of time.
Common dosing schedule:
Perindopril is taken once daily. It may be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Perindopril may interact with:
- Potassium supplements
- Aliskiren
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers, e.g. Losartan, Telmisartan
- Other medicines for treating hypertension, such as nitrates and calcium channel blockers
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. Ibuprofen, Ketorolac, Mefenamic Acid
Perindopril can interact with a number of drugs. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
Where to buy Perindopril in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, Perindopril is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Perindopril in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
- Perindopril erbumine 2mg / 4mg (Tablets)
- Perindopril arginine 5mg / 10mg (Tablets)