Perindopril, a prescription medicine, is commonly used to help control high blood pressure (also known as hypertension). By blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme that causes blood vessels to constrict, the medication can help blood vessels relax and lower blood pressure. Perindopril comes in tablet form and is available in three different strengths, including 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg.
Perindopril is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.
Perindopril is manufactured by Solvay Pharmaceuticals.
How Does Perindopril Work?
As mentioned, perindopril is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Perindopril helps to block this enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, perindopril causes blood vessels to relax, which can
lower blood pressure.
A
blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the
systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the
diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking perindopril, systolic
blood pressure decreased on average by 9 to 15 mmHg (millimeters of mercury), and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 5 to 6 mmHg on average. The higher the dose of perindopril, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be.