amlodipine + perindopril at a glance
Medicine classes
Calcium-channel blocker plus ACE inhibitor
Licensed role
Replacement for corresponding separate tablets in controlled hypertension and/or stable coronary artery disease
Food
Take before a meal, following the dispensing label
Routine checks
Blood pressure, kidney function and blood potassium are important
What is amlodipine + perindopril used for?
The selected product is licensed only as substitution therapy when both components have already been taken separately at corresponding strengths.
Essential hypertension already controlled with separate perindopril and amlodipine.
Stable coronary artery disease already controlled with separate perindopril and amlodipine.
How does amlodipine + perindopril work?
Perindopril is converted to perindoprilat, which inhibits ACE and reduces angiotensin II and aldosterone activity. Amlodipine limits calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle. Together they relax and widen blood vessels, reducing vascular resistance and the heart's workload.
amlodipine + perindopril preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 4 mg + 10 mg, 4 mg + 5 mg, 8 mg + 10 mg, 8 mg + 5 mg
How to take amlodipine + perindopril
Take the tablet exactly as shown on the dispensing label. Swallow it with water, preferably in the morning before a meal, because food reduces conversion of perindopril to its active metabolite.
Do not make your own strength changes; adjustments require review of the separate components.
Do not stop treatment without speaking to the prescriber.
Check the perindopril salt and component strengths if the product changes.
amlodipine + perindopril side effects
Common or expected effects
- Ankle or leg swelling
- Dry, persistent cough
- Headache, dizziness or sleepiness
- Flushing or palpitations
- Abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation
- Muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness
- Rash or itching
Get urgent medical advice
- Angioedema: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, particularly with breathing or swallowing difficulty
- Severe hypotension causing collapse or persistent faintness
- Kidney injury, including very little or no urine
- Severe skin reactions with blistering, sores or peeling
- Pancreatitis causing severe persistent abdominal pain
- Liver injury causing yellow skin or eyes
amlodipine + perindopril in pregnancy
The combination is not recommended during the first trimester and is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters because ACE inhibitors can harm fetal kidney development. Anyone planning pregnancy or discovering they are pregnant should contact the prescriber promptly so treatment can be reviewed.
amlodipine + perindopril while breastfeeding
The selected fixed combination is not recommended during breastfeeding. The individual components may sometimes be used cautiously, but alternatives with more breastfeeding evidence are generally preferred, particularly for a newborn or premature infant.
amlodipine + perindopril interactions
Ask a pharmacist or prescriber to check new prescription, over-the-counter and herbal products. Important examples include:
Sacubitril/valsartan
Do not combine with perindopril because this substantially increases angioedema risk.
Aliskiren or angiotensin-receptor blockers
Dual renin–angiotensin system blockade increases risks of hypotension, high potassium and kidney injury; some combinations are contraindicated.
Potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes and potassium-sparing diuretics
These can cause dangerous hyperkalaemia and may require avoidance or close blood-test monitoring.
Common questions about amlodipine + perindopril
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is this prescribed instead of two separate tablets?
It can replace corresponding separate tablets once they already control hypertension and/or stable coronary artery disease. It does not allow independent adjustment of each ingredient.
Can it be used to start blood-pressure treatment?
No. The selected product is licensed as substitution therapy, not initial treatment.
Why can it cause a dry cough?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.