Easy-to-read medicine information about perindopril – what it is, how to take it safely and possible side effects. Perindopril is also called Coversyl.
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What is perindopril?
Perindopril has many different effects on your body so it is used to treat a range of conditions. It belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors.
Perindopril may be used for the following conditions:
- High blood pressure – by relaxing and widening your blood vessels it lowers your blood pressure.
- Heart failure – to help your heart pump blood more easily. This can help to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your feet, legs and abdomen (tummy).
- Diabetic kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy) – to protect your kidneys and help them to function.
Perindopril can work quickly for hypertension (high blood pressure). If you have heart failure it may be a few weeks before you notice an improvement in your symptoms. Once you have started perindopril you usually keep taking it for life, unless you have a serious side effect. In New Zealand perindopril is available as tablets.
Dose
Perindopril tablets are available in different strengths: 2 mg and 4 mg.
- Your doctor will tell you the dose that is right for you.
- Your dose of perindopril will depend on what it is being used for.
- Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and increase the dose depending on how you respond. This allows your body to get used to the medicine and reduces side effects.
- Perindopril is usually taken once a day.
- Always take your perindopril exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.
- Check with your pharmacist if your tablets are different to what you expect.
My dose
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How to take perindopril
- Timing: Perindopril is usually taken once a day. Take your perindopril dose at the same time each day. It is best taken in the morning. Take each dose on an empty stomach, 1 hour before OR 2 hours after food.
- Limit or avoid alcohol while you are taking perindopril. Alcohol can increase your chance of side effects such as dizziness and light-headedness.
- Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
Cautions while you are taking perindopril
Have a sick day plan
If you have diarrhoea (runny poo) or are vomiting (being sick) from a stomach bug, or have dehydration from other causes, it’s important to let your GP know, as they may advise you to stop taking your perindopril for a few days and start again when you feel better.
Be careful when taking some pain relief medicines
ACE inhibitors can be used to protect your kidneys from damage if you have diabetes. However, if you are taking perindopril and diuretics (water pills), the combination of these with NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory pain relief medicine) can be very harmful to your kidneys. It can cause acute kidney injury. This combination is called the ‘dangerous trio’ or ‘triple whammy’. You have a higher risk of harm to your kidneys if you are also an older adult (over 65 years) or are dehydrated.
If you are taking an ACE inhibitor with a diuretic, do not use NSAIDs for pain relief. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a safer option. Read more about NSAIDs and protecting your kidneys.
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Are you pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or are planning a pregnancy while you are taking perindopril.
Side effects
Like all medicines perindopril can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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Interactions
- Perindopril interacts with a few medicines and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting perindopril and before starting any new medicines.
- Also, check with your pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medicines, including:
- anti-inflammatories such as diclofenac (eg, Voltaren Rapid)
- ibuprofen (eg, Nurofen)
- naproxen (eg, Naprogesic).
Learn more
The following links provide more information on perindopril.
Perindopril NZ Formulary Patient Information
Reference
- Perindopril NZ Formulary