Perindopril
Perindopril is a long-acting prodrug belonging to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class of medications, primarily indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension, symptomatic stable coronary artery disease, and heart failure.[1][2]
Administered orally, it is hydrolyzed in the liver to its active metabolite perindoprilat, which competitively binds to and inhibits ACE, thereby preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II; this action reduces aldosterone secretion, promotes vasodilation, and lowers blood pressure while also mitigating cardiac remodeling in heart failure.[3][4]
Developed by Servier Laboratories and first marketed in France as Coversyl in 1988, perindopril gained prominence through clinical trials such as the EUROPA study, which demonstrated a 20% relative risk reduction in major cardiovascular events among patients with stable coronary heart disease receiving perindopril alongside standard therapy.[5][6]
While generally well-tolerated, perindopril is associated with class-specific adverse effects including persistent dry cough due to bradykinin accumulation, hyperkalemia, acute kidney injury in susceptible patients, and rare but serious angioedema; it is contraindicated in pregnancy owing to teratogenic risks including fetal renal impairment and oligohydramnios.[7][8][9]