Generic name: Perindopril

Why is this medication prescribed?
Perindopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Perindopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It makes blood flow more smoothly by preventing the production of certain natural chemicals that tighten the blood vessels.

How should this medicine be used?
Perindopril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take perindopril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of perindopril and gradually increase your dose.

Perindopril controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take perindopril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking perindopril without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking perindopril,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to perindopril, benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diuretics ('water pills'), heparin, indomethacin (Indocin), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), and potassium supplements (K-Dur, Klor-Con, others). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you are on dialysis and if have or have ever had heart failure; lupus (SLE); scleroderma; diabetes; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, and/or lower legs (angioedema); or kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
• you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Perindopril may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• cough
• headache
• weakness
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• upset stomach

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• lightheadedness
• fainting
• fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
• irregular or rapid heartbeats

Perindopril may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.