Perindopril

It is an orally active ACE inhibitor considered very valuable in treatment of congestive heart failure.

Indications

Congestive heart failure.

Dosage

Start with 2 mg daily in morning after 1-2 weeks increase gradually to maintenance dose of 4mg daily under close supervision only. Diuretic if any, should be discontinued 3 days before initiating the therapy.

Contra-Indications

Children, pregnancy, breast feeding.

Special Precautions

Renovascular hypertension, renal impairment. It may cause hypotension in patients undergoing major surgery or during anesthesia. Paediatrics: Not recommended. Pregnancy: Should not be used. Lactation: Should not be used. Elderly: Reduce the dose to half.

Side Effects

Cough, fatigue, headache, sleep disturbance, proteinuria, decrease in haemoglobin, red blood corpuscles & platelets, angioneurotic oedema.

Drug Interactions

Hypotension with diuretics. Hyperkalaemia with potassium sparing diuretics.