Perindopril

The Basics

What is Perindopril?

Long-acting ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, or stable coronary artery disease.

Brand names for Perindopril

Coversyl, Coversum, Aceon

How Perindopril is classified

Antihypertensive Agents, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, ACE Inhibitors, ACEIs

Perindopril During Pregnancy

Perindopril pregnancy category

Category D

Note that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Perindopril while pregnant

Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. Resulting oligohydramnios can be associated with fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletal deformations. Potential neonatal adverse effects include skull hypoplasia, anuria, hypotension, renal failure, and death. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue ACEON as soon as possible. These adverse outcomes are usually associated with use of these drugs in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Most epidemiologic studies examining fetal abnormalities after exposure to antihypertensive use in the first trimester have not distinguished drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system from other antihypertensive agents. Appropriate management of maternal hypertension during pregnancy is important to optimize outcomes for both mother and fetus. In the unusual case that there is no appropriate alternative to therapy with drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system for a particular patient, apprise the mother of the potential risk to the fetus. Perform serial ultrasound examinations to assess the intra-amniotic environment. If oligohydramnios is observed, discontinue ACEON, unless it is considered lifesaving for the mother. Fetal testing may be appropriate, based on the week of pregnancy. Patients and physicians should be aware, however, that oligohydramnios may not appear until after the fetus has sustained irreversible injury. Closely observe infants with histories of in utero exposure to ACEON for hypotension, oliguria, and hyperkalemia [see Pediatric Use]. Radioactivity was detectable in fetuses after administration of 14C-perindopril to pregnant rats.

Taking Perindopril While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Perindopril?

Limited information indicates that only low levels of perindopril and its active metabolite are found in breastmilk, which is consistent with other drugs in this class. Amounts ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Limited information indicates that only low levels of perindopril and its active metabolite are found in breastmilk, which is consistent with other drugs in this class. Amounts ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.

Possible effects of Perindopril on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Perindopril

Benazepril, Captopril, Enalapril, Quinapril.