Perindopril
Perindopril is an ACE inhibitor used for high blood pressure, heart failure in selected patients, and sometimes after heart attack in specialist pathways. It reduces production of angiotensin II and lowers blood pressure while reducing workload on the heart.
This medicine is part of the Blood pressure, cholesterol & related category.
Generic name: perindopril
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Perindopril is an ACE inhibitor used for high blood pressure, heart failure in selected patients, and sometimes after heart attack in specialist pathways.
How long does it take to work?
Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges.
What are common side effects?
Dry tickly cough, dizziness on standing, headache, or mild kidney function changes can occur.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
NSAIDs, potassium supplements, and some diuretics increase risks.
More about what Perindopril is used for
Perindopril is an ACE inhibitor used for high blood pressure, heart failure in selected patients, and sometimes after heart attack in specialist pathways.
It reduces production of angiotensin II and lowers blood pressure while reducing workload on the heart.
How does Perindopril work, and how long does it take to work?
ACE inhibition leads to vasodilation and reduced salt and water retention signals, lowering pressure over days.
Starting doses are often low and increased gradually to improve tolerance.
How and when should you take Perindopril?
Take as your label directs — often in the morning before food for some formulations, but follow your specific leaflet.
Swallow tablets with water; do not stop suddenly after long use without medical advice.
What are the common side effects of Perindopril?
Dry tickly cough, dizziness on standing, headache, or mild kidney function changes can occur.
Taste disturbance is possible early on.
Serious side effects of Perindopril — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for lip, tongue, or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, or severe allergic reaction.
Report fainting, very high potassium symptoms, or reduced urine output promptly.
What if you miss a dose of Perindopril?
Take when remembered unless the next dose is soon; do not double.
Who should not take Perindopril?
History of angioedema with ACE inhibitors, pregnancy, and bilateral renal artery stenosis are key exclusions.
Severe aortic stenosis and some kidney problems need careful review.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Perindopril? — other interactions
NSAIDs, potassium supplements, and some diuretics increase risks. Lithium levels can rise.
Perindopril in pregnancy and breastfeeding
ACE inhibitors are avoided in pregnancy. Discuss breastfeeding with your prescriber.
Blood tests and monitoring on Perindopril
Kidney function and potassium are checked after starting and dose changes.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Perindopril?
An ARB such as Losartan may be used if ACE inhibitor cough is intolerable — only change on medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions about Perindopril
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Perindopril used for?
- Perindopril is an ACE inhibitor used for high blood pressure, heart failure in selected patients, and sometimes after heart attack in specialist pathways. It reduces production of angiotensin II and lowers blood pressure while reducing workload on the heart.
- How long does Perindopril take to work?
- Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Perindopril with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- NSAIDs, potassium supplements, and some diuretics increase risks.
- What are the side effects of Perindopril?
- Dry tickly cough, dizziness on standing, headache, or mild kidney function changes can occur. Taste disturbance is possible early on. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Will the cough from perindopril go away?
- Some people’s cough improves after a few weeks; others need a switch to a different drug class. Do not stop suddenly — ask your GP for a review plan.
- Can I take perindopril with ibuprofen?
- Regular Ibuprofen can affect kidneys and blood pressure control with ACE inhibitors. Use the shortest course at the lowest dose only with pharmacist or GP advice.
Need personalised advice?
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