Perisyl (Perindopril Erbumine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Perisyl Used For?
Perisyl contains perindopril erbumine, which belongs to a group of medicines called ACE inhibitors. It works by helping to lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
Primary Uses
Perisyl is prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and coronary artery disease. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to serious health problems like stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure if left untreated. For heart failure, Perisyl helps the heart pump blood more effectively, which may improve your ability to perform daily activities, help you breathe more easily, feel less tired, and reduce swelling. For coronary artery disease, Perisyl has been shown to reduce risks including heart attacks.
How It Works
As an ACE inhibitor, Perisyl works by blocking an enzyme that causes blood vessels to narrow. This allows blood vessels to relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload on your heart.
Good to know: Perisyl helps control your condition but does not cure it. Following your doctor’s advice may help improve your ability to perform daily activities.
How to Take Perisyl
Your doctor will determine the right dose of Perisyl for you and may adjust it as needed. Take your medication exactly as prescribed to get the full benefits.
Dosage Instructions
The typical dose is 2 mg, 4 mg, or 8 mg once daily for high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, or 2 mg to 4 mg once daily for heart failure. Swallow the tablet with water, preferably in the morning before a meal. Take it at the same time each day to help you remember.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. If you remember earlier, take it as soon as possible and then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Do not stop taking Perisyl because you feel better unless your doctor tells you to. Continue taking it for as long as your doctor recommends.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Dry cough (often described as dry and irritating)
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Headache
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Taste changes
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Muscle cramps
- Changes in heartbeat rhythm
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Fast and irregular heartbeat
- Purple spots with blisters on arms, legs, neck, or ears (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)
- Severe skin reactions, blisters, or rash
- Signs of liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Signs of kidney problems
- Severe allergic reactions
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before taking Perisyl. Some people should not take this medication, and others need special monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Perisyl
Do not take Perisyl if you are allergic to perindopril, other ACE inhibitors, or any ingredients in the medication. Do not take it if you have experienced swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat with previous ACE inhibitor treatment, if you undergo certain blood treatments outside the body, if you take aliskiren and have diabetes or kidney problems, if you have kidney artery problems, if you take sacubitril/valsartan, or if the packaging is damaged or expired.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart conditions, diabetes, low blood pressure, high or low potassium levels, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, or if you are of African origin (as you may have higher risk of allergic reactions and the medicine may be less effective). Also inform your doctor if you’re on dialysis, having surgery, recently had diarrhea or vomiting, are dehydrated, on a salt-restricted diet, or taking lithium.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Perisyl if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It may cause serious harm to your baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medication.
Elderly Patients: Perisyl can generally be used safely by elderly people, but reduced kidney function is common in older adults, so the starting dose should always be 2 mg.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with Perisyl and change how it works or increase side effects. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
- Other blood pressure medications including angiotensin receptor blockers and aliskiren
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Antibiotics and infection treatments
- Anti-inflammatory drugs including high-dose aspirin and ibuprofen
- Lithium and other mood medications
- Potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium
- Blood thinners like heparin
- Immunosuppressants
- Diabetes medications
- Medicines that affect blood cells
- Gold salts for rheumatoid arthritis
- mTOR inhibitors for organ transplants
- Gliptins for diabetes
Alcohol & Driving
Perisyl can cause dizziness and low blood pressure, which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
The source does not specifically mention alcohol interactions, but since Perisyl can cause dizziness and low blood pressure, alcohol may worsen these effects. Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful when driving or using machinery until you know how Perisyl affects you. Dizziness or fatigue due to low blood pressure may occur, especially when starting treatment or when taken with other blood pressure medications. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive or operate dangerous equipment.
Storage
Store Perisyl tablets in their original packaging until ready to use. Keep them in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Taking too much Perisyl can cause dangerously low blood pressure, making you feel dizzy or faint. Other possible effects include nausea, cramps, drowsiness, confusion, kidney problems, and salt/water imbalances. If overdose occurs, lie down with legs elevated and immediately call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but Perisyl helps control blood pressure and heart conditions as long as you continue taking it as prescribed by your doctor.
Yes, Perisyl should be taken preferably in the morning before a meal, but can be taken with water regardless of food timing.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
No, do not stop taking Perisyl because you feel better unless your doctor advises you to. It helps control your condition but doesn’t cure it, so you need to continue taking it as prescribed.
Seek urgent medical attention immediately. Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat is a serious allergic reaction called angioedema that requires emergency treatment.
Yes, Perisyl can generally be used safely by elderly people, but the starting dose should always be 2 mg due to commonly reduced kidney function in older adults.
Make sure you drink enough water during exercise and hot weather, especially if you sweat a lot. This helps prevent dizziness or light-headedness from sudden drops in blood pressure.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.