Is there anyone in your house who has "high blood pressure"? Or do you have high blood pressure yourself? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you medication. Sometimes, instead of one medication, you may be given a pill that combines two medications. For example, Perindopril and Amlodipine are a combination of two medications that are often used to control high blood pressure. Today, we will talk about this medication in simple terms, what it does, what to be careful about when taking it, and everything about its side effects.
What is this medicine? To be precise...
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Perindopril: This belongs to the class of drugs called ACE inhibitors . This works by widening the blood vessels in our body. Imagine that when a water pipe is clogged, if you widen it, the water will flow more easily. When the blood vessels are wide, the blood can flow without any obstruction. Then the blood pressure decreases.
2. Amlodipine: This belongs to the group of drugs called calcium channel blockers . It works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of our heart and blood vessels. When these muscles relax, the blood vessels widen, blood flow becomes easier, and blood pressure decreases.
So, when these two types of medication are combined, a very effective result can be achieved in controlling high blood pressure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing this medicine to you. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Health condition or fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | If you have diabetes. |
| Kidney disease | If you have any kidney-related condition. |
| Liver disease | If you have a liver disease. |
| Heart disease | If you have other heart disease or blood vessel problems. |
| Pre-existing inflammatory conditions | Have you ever had swelling of the tongue, face, or lips, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness of the voice before? |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to Perindopril, Amlodipine or any other medicine, food, or insect sting. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. (This is very important) |
| Diet | If you follow a diet that is very low in salt. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
How to get it
This medicine is a pill that you take by mouth. It is best to take it at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor has prescribed. This will help keep the medicine working at the same level in your body. If you get into the habit of taking it at the same time every morning, you will be less likely to forget. You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, take it with food. It is important to continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you accidentally miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time.
Most importantly: Do not take a double dose for any reason. It can be dangerous.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking, as some medications can interact with Perindopril/Amlodipine and cause problems.
| Do not take this medicine with any other medicine! | |
|---|---|
| Sacubitril; valsartan (also a medicine for high blood pressure and heart disease) | |
| Problems can also occur with these medications. | |
| Other blood pressure medications | Other high blood pressure medications, medications for heart disease. |
| Diuretics | Especially potassium-sparing liquid pills like amiloride and spironolactone. |
| Painkillers (NSAIDs) | Medicines for pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. |
| Lithium | It is a medicine for mental illness. |
| Potassium supplements | Taking potassium tablets or syrup without medical advice. |
Be careful of these things when taking medicine.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel a little drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up from a sitting or standing position, especially if you are elderly. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can make you feel more sleepy and dizzy. So avoid alcohol.
- Pregnancy: This is very important. If you are planning to become pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are already pregnant, tell your doctor right away . This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby.
- Vomiting and diarrhea: If you have severe diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, you may lose a lot of fluid from your body and become dehydrated. It can be dangerous to take this medicine at such times. If this happens, talk to your doctor.
- Cold Medicine: Do not take certain cough, cold, or fever medicines without first asking your doctor. Some of the ingredients in them can increase your blood pressure.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Below are some of the possible side effects.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness. |
| Chest pain | Chest pain. |
| Dry cough | A persistent, dry cough without mucus. |
| Irregular heartbeat | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Ankle swelling | Swelling in the ankle area of both legs. |
| Urinary problems | Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine you produce. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Headache |
| Dizziness | Dizziness |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time every day.
- Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
- If you are pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor immediately.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid stopping the medication without your doctor's advice.
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