What is the most important information I should know about perindopril?
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Do not use perindopril if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
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Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of perindopril. |
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Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking perindopril, unless your doctor has told you to. |
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Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting. |
Perindopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Perindopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent heart attack in people with coronary artery disease.
Perindopril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking perindopril?
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Do not use this medication if you are allergic to perindopril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik). |
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You should not use perindopril if you have hereditary angioedema. |
To make sure you can safely take perindopril, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- liver disease;
- heart disease or congestive heart failure;
- diabetes; or
- a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
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FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use perindopril if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Perindopril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking perindopril. |
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It is not known whether perindopril passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
How should I take perindopril?
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Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
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Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking perindopril. |
Perindopril can be taken with or without food.
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Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting. |
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
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If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using perindopril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. |
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
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Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
What happens if I miss a dose?
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. |
Overdose symptoms may include feeling extremely dizzy or light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking perindopril?
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Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of perindopril. |
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Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. |
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Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking perindopril, unless your doctor has told you to. |
What are the possible side effects of perindopril?
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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
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Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: |
- feeling like you might pass out;
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
- urinating less than usual or not at all;
- swelling, rapid weight gain;
- high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling);
- pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
- dizziness;
- back pain; or
- cough.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect perindopril?
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Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
- gold injections to treat arthritis;
- lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);
- a non-steroidal antiiinflamatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others;
- a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;
- salt substitutes that contain potassium; or
- a diuretic (water pill).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with perindopril. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist can provide more information about perindopril.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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