Perindopril for High Blood Pressure

What is Perindopril?

Perindopril is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It contains the active ingredient Perindopril, which is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. This can widen your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This helps to lower your blood pressure. Perindopril is usually taken long term, meaning it can be taken for the rest of your life.

Is Perindopril an ace inhibitor?

Yes, Perindopril contains the active ingredient Perindopril, which is known as an ACE inhibitor.

Is Perindopril a beta blocker?

No, beta blockers are a different type of medicine that are also used for high blood pressure, but Perindopril is not one of them.

How does Perindopril work?

Perindopril works to treat high blood pressure as it contains an ACE inhibitor, which can relax and widen your blood vessels. This makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body, meaning it can lower your blood pressure. It can also improve symptoms of heart failure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

How long does it take Perindopril to take effect?

Perindopril should start to work within a few hours of your first dose, but you should see its full effect after a month of taking it. Perindopril may still be working even if you do not feel different, so it is important to keep taking it. Your GP will monitor your blood pressure to check that it is having the correct effect.

How long does Perindopril stay in your system?

Perindopril can stay in your system for around 17 hours, but the medicine takes effect within 1 hour.

How to take Perindopril

Perindopril should be given as your doctor has prescribed, as there are different dosages depending on your age, the reason you are taking it, and other medications you take. You should take the tablets by mouth with a full glass of water, in the morning and at the same time every day. You should take Perindopril before you eat. Perindopril is also often taken with other high blood pressure medications.

What is the best time to take Perindopril?

The best time to take Perindopril is in the morning at breakfast time. You should take Perindopril before you eat anything, with a full glass of water. This is so you get the best effect from your medication during the day.

What should I do if I miss a tablet?

If you miss a tablet, take your next tablet at the usual time. Do not double dose. It is important to take your tablet every day, as daily treatment is most effective.

Perindopril doses

The usual dose of Perindopril for high blood pressure is one 4mg tablet, every day. After a month of treatment, this can be increased to one 8mg tablet, every day, if you need it. You may be started on 2mg, which can be increased to 4mg and then 8mg, if needed. The 8mg dose is the highest dose of Perindopril that can be prescribed in a day.

Perindopril 2mg

Perindopril 2mg may be given for some patients, e.g. if you:

have very high blood pressure
are dehydrated (you do not have enough water in your body)
have a heart problem
have a low level of salt in your blood
have blocked blood vessels in the kidneys which is causing high blood pressure
are 65 or over
are taking diuretics (water tablets)

After a month of treatment, your doctor may review your dose and increase it to 4mg a day. This can be reviewed again and increased to 8mg a day if your doctor thinks you need it.

Perindopril 4mg

Perindopril 4mg is the usual starting dose for high blood pressure treatment. This is given once a day, for a month. After this, your doctor will review you and increase the dose to 8mg each day, if needed.

Perindopril 8mg

You will usually be started on 2mg or 4mg tablets, which can be increased to 8mg tablets if needed. Perindopril 8mg is the highest dose that can be prescribed each day.

Where can I buy Perindopril?

Perindopril is a prescription medicine, which means you cannot get it over the counter. Your GP may prescribe Perindopril for you, or you can get it through Superdrug Online Doctor. This means you can buy it online without needing to leave your home.

Can I buy Perindopril online?

Yes, Perindopril is available to buy through Superdrug Online Doctor. You will need to complete a short medical questionnaire which one of our doctors will review. If your treatment is approved and prescribed, you can buy Perindopril through our service. This can be delivered straight to your home.

How much does Perindopril cost?

Perindopril can be bought in bulk through our service, with the option to get a 3 or 6 month supply. Prices start from £19. Standard delivery and Click & Collect is free. For next day delivery, you will have to pay an additional £3.99.

Can I get Perindopril on the NHS?

Yes, you may be prescribed Perindopril by your GP for high blood pressure.

Can I get Perindopril over the counter?

No, Perindopril contains the active ingredient Perindopril, which is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. This means it can only be taken if you have high blood pressure so it must be prescribed to you by a doctor.

Perindopril side effects

Perindopril can have some side effects. Speak to your doctor if these side effects do not go away after your body gets used to the treatment. If you get any serious side effects, call your doctor straight away, or visit A&E.

The most common side effects include:

dizziness
headaches
cough
shortness of breath
nausea and vomiting (feeling or being sick)
constipation
diarrhoea
muscle cramps
feeling tired
allergic reaction, such as a skin rash or itching
pins and needles

Uncommon side effects include:

dry mouth
trouble sleeping
mood wings
kidney problems
sweating
fever
falls
change in blood tests, such as low sodium or blood sugar
blisters on the skin
erectile dysfunction
muscle pain

Rare side effects include:

worsening of psoriasis (a skin condition)
a change in the level of enzymes in your liver
jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes)

Very rare side effects include:

irregular heartbeat
stroke
heart attack
blocked or runny nose
confusion
serious allergic reaction, such as wheezing, breathlessness, and swelling in the face or mouth

You can find a full list of side effects included in your tablet pack, on the patient information leaflet.

What are the long term side effects of Perindopril?

Perindopril is usually safe to take for a long time. Sometimes, taking Perindopril for a long time can cause issues with your kidneys, so your doctor will do a blood test regularly, as this will check how well your kidneys are working.

Perindopril erectile dysfunction

Perindopril can cause erectile dysfunction, as listed in the uncommon side effects. Sometimes, high blood pressure can cause erectile dysfunction, as it can reduce the blood flow to the penis. Speak to your doctor if you are taking Perindopril and have erectile dysfunction.

Does Perindopril cause weight gain?

Perindopril does not usually cause weight gain. If you gain weight whilst taking Perindopril, this could be a sign of kidney failure. Other symptoms include swelling in your ankles, feet, or face, feeling itchy, and peeing less often. If you have any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor straight away and stop taking Perindopril.

Why does Perindopril cause a cough?

Perindopril can cause a cough, which usually goes away after you stop taking it. If the cough bothers you, speak to your doctor about alternative treatments for blood pressure.

What happens if I stop taking Perindopril?

You should not stop taking Perindopril unless your doctor has told you to, or your side effects are severe or bothering you. If you do stop taking Perindopril due to side effects, you must speak to your doctor straight away. Stopping treatment can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can increase your chance of a stroke or heart attack.

Perindopril warnings

There are some medications that interact with Perindopril and should not be taken. If you have a health condition, you should speak to your doctor before using Perindopril. You must be over 18 to take this medicine.

You should not take Perindopril tablets if you:

are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor tells you it is safe
are allergic to Perindopril, or another ACE inhibitor
have had symptoms such as swelling in the face, wheezing, or fainting, whilst using an ACE inhibitor in the past
have impaired kidney function or diabetes and are taking aliskiren (a blood pressure medication)
are having dialysis
are taking medication for heart failure, such as sacubitril/valsartan
have a kidney problem called renal artery stenosis
have diabetes

If any of these apply to you, you will need a different high blood pressure treatment.

There are some medications you can take with Perindopril, but your doctor needs to know. It may mean your doctor needs to see you more regularly or change your dose.

You must tell your doctor if you take any medication. There are some that may specifically interact with perindopril and these include:

racecadotril, for diarrhoea
organ transplant medication
other high blood pressure medications
diuretics (water tablets)
gold salts, for rheumatoid arthritis
medication for low blood pressure, asthma, or shock
heparin, a blood thinner
vasodilators, which are a medication that make your blood vessels wider
procainamide for irregular heartbeat
allopurinol, for gout
estramustine, for cancer
trimethoprim, for infections
immunosuppressants, which are medicines to treat auto-immune disorders
medication for mental health disorders
baclofen, a medicine for muscle stiffness
medication for diabetes
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin, for pain relief
medication for heart failure
any medication that can affect the levels of potassium in your body
steroids such as prednisolone

Perindopril and Viagra

Viagra can lower your blood pressure, just like Perindopril. This can increase the risk of side effects such as headaches and dizziness. You may be able to take Viagra whilst using Perindopril, but you should speak to your doctor first.

What painkillers can I take with Perindopril?

Perindopril can be taken with paracetamol, but you should avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin. These can cause Perindopril to not work effectively and may affect your kidneys.

Foods to avoid when taking Perindopril

You should not eat any salt substitutes whilst taking Perindopril. This can cause a high level of potassium in your body. You should also avoid alcohol, especially if Perindopril makes you dizzy.

Perindopril and grapefruit

There is no evidence that Perindopril cannot be taken if you eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice. If you are not sure, speak to your doctor.

Coronavirus and Perindopril

The NHS states there is no clear evidence that ACE inhibitors, such as Perindopril, will cause any coronavirus complications. This study did not find any evidence that Perindopril is harmful in patients with coronavirus. You should continue taking Perindopril, even if you catch coronavirus.

Perindopril alternatives

There are alternatives to Perindopril, if this treatment is not suitable for you or does not work. Other similar medications include capropril, enalapril, and ramipril. These are all ACE inhibitors and work in the same way. Some of these need to be taken 3 times a day, whilst Perindopril only needs to be taken once a day.

What if Perindopril does not work?

If Perindopril does not work, speak to your doctor as you may need an alternative. If you do not feel any different, it does not mean your treatment is not working. Your doctor may need to increase your dosage if you are on a lower dose of Perindopril.

Sources

ACEI/ARB use and risk of infection or severity or mortality of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2020) ScienceDirect (accessed 21 September 2021)
High blood pressure (hypertension) (2019) NHS (accessed 21 September 2021)
Perindopril (2018) NHS (accessed 21 September 2021)
Perindopril 8 mg Tablets (2019) EMC (accessed 21 September 2021)
PERINDOPRIL ERBUMINE (2021) NICE (accessed 21 September 2021)
Sildenafil Interactions (2021) NICE (accessed 21 September 2021)

About Online Doctor

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Reviewed by: Dr Louisa Draper in line with the Superdrug Online Editorial Process.

GMC no. 6149137

Dr Draper studied at the University of Oxford and finished her training to become a doctor at University College London, with a special interest in innovation in medicine, online and digital medicine, improving access to healthcare and reducing inequalities in health and well-being.

Last reviewed on: 01/04/22

2mg tablets - 3 month course	£30
2mg tablets - 6 month course	£50
4mg tablets - 3 month course	£35
4mg tablets - 6 month course	£55
8mg tablets - 3 month course	£40
8mg tablets - 6 month course	£60

Perindopril