How and when to take perindopril

Dosage and how to take perindopril

Dosage

Your dose of perindopril depends on why you're taking it. Always take it how your doctor tells you to.

Before deciding the correct dose for you, your doctor will check your blood pressure. You may also have blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working and the amount of potassium in your blood.

You'll probably be prescribed a low dose of perindopril at first, so it does not make you feel dizzy. This will usually be increased gradually until you reach the right dose for you.

There are 2 different types of perindopril. Perindopril erbumine (also called perindopril tert-butylamine) and perindopril arginine both work in the same way, but the doses vary.

Dose for perindopril erbumine (also called perindopril tert-butylamine)

Depending on why you're taking perindopril erbumine, the usual starting dose is between 2mg and 4mg once a day.

This dose may be increased gradually over a few weeks. The usual dose:

• for high blood pressure usually starts at 4mg once a day (the maximum dose is 8mg once a day)
• after a heart attack is up to 8mg once a day
• heart failure is up to 4mg once a day

Dose for perindopril arginine

Depending on why you're taking perindopril arginine, the usual starting dose is between 2.5mg and 5mg, taken once a day.

This dose may be increased gradually over a few weeks. The the usual dose:

• for high blood pressure usually starts at 5mg once a day (the maximum dose is 10mg once a day)
• after a heart attack is up to 10mg, once a day
• for heart failure is up to 5mg, taken once a day

How to take it

You'll usually take perindopril once a day.

Swallow perindopril tablets whole with a drink of water.

Your doctor may suggest that you take your first dose before bedtime because it can make you feel dizzy.

After the very first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, take perindopril in the morning before breakfast. Try to take it at the same time every day.

How long to take it for

Usually, treatment with perindopril is long term. You may have to take it for the rest of your life.

If you get ill while taking it

Contact your doctor or call 111 if you get the following while taking perindopril:

• a high temperature
• sweating and shaking
• severe diarrhoea or vomiting

They may advise you to stop taking perindopril until you feel better and are eating and drinking normally.

Stopping perindopril

Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking perindopril.

Stopping perindopril may cause your blood pressure to rise. This may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

If you're bothered by side effects, your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medicine.

If you forget to take it

If you miss a dose of perindopril, take it as soon as you remember that day. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

If you take more than your prescribed dose of perindopril it may make you feel dizzy and make your heartbeat more noticeable (heart palpitations).

The amount of perindopril that can lead to an overdose is different for everyone.