Perindopril is an ACE inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). ACE produces angiotensin II, as part of the body's natural control of blood pressure. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict and narrow, which increases the pressure within the blood vessels. Perindopril blocks the action of ACE, it reduces the production of angiotensin II, thus allows the blood vessels to relax and widen. The overall effect of this is a drop in blood pressure.

Perindopril is a long-acting ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) inhibitor and is indicated in-

• Essential hypertension,
• Stable coronary artery disease,
• Congestive heart failure.

Hypertension: One Perindopril 4 tablet once daily preferably in the morning. If necessary, the dose may be increased to 8 mg after 1 month of treatment. Perindopril should be taken before food.

Stable coronary artery disease: Perindopril 4 once daily for two weeks, then increased to 8 mg once daily, depending on renal function and provided that the 4 mg dose is well tolerated. Elderly patients should receive Perindopril 2 mg once daily for one week, then Perindopril 4 once daily the next week, before increasing the dose up to 8 mg once daily, depending on renal, function. The dose should be increased only if the previous lower dose is well tolerated.

Congestive heart failure: Perindopril should be started under close medical supervision at a starting dose of 2 mg in the morning. If necessary dose may be increased to 4 mg.

Elderly patients: Start at low daily dose (4 mg or less) and titrate slowly as needed. Experience with doses exceeding 8 mg is limited.

Perindopril is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Perindopril. This drug is contraindicated in case of management of hypertension of Children, during Pregnancy & Lactation.

Rare and mild: usually at the start of treatment cough, fatigue, asthenia, headache, disturbances of mood and/or sleep have been reported.

Less often: Taste impairment, epigastric discomfort, nausea, abdominal pain and rash. Reversible increase in blood urea and creatinine may be observed. Proteinuria has occurred in some patients.

Rarely: Angioneurotic edema and decrease in hemoglobin, red cells and platelets have been reported.

In the following cases, Perindopril should be used with caution:

• Renovascular hypertension
• Surgery/Anesthesia
• Renal failure: The dose should be cautiously adjusted in accordance with the creatinine clearance
• Symptomatic hypotension is rarely seen, but is more likely in volume-depleted patients, those receiving diuretics, or with the first two doses
• In diuretic-treated patients: stop the diuretic 3 days before starting Perindopril. A diuretic may later be given in combination if necessary; potassium-sparing diuretics are not recommended
• Combination with neuroleptics or imipramine-type drugs may increase the hypotensive effect. Serum lithium concentrations may rise during lithium therapy

Pregnancy & Lactation

Perindopril should not be used during pregnancy & lactation.