Pharmacy
What are they for?
ACE inhibitors lighten the workload of your heart, by relaxing the arteries and make it easier for your heart to pump blood and oxygen around the body. They can prevent your heart failure from getting worse and can also:
- Help you to live longer
- Help protect you from having a heart attack by improving the blood flow to your heart muscle
- Help you be more active
| The ACE inhibitor you are taking is: |
| The dose you should take is: |
How do I take them?
Take them once a day in the morning. The doctor or nurse may ask you to take them before bedtime. Perindopril should be taken on an empty stomach – for example, 30 minutes before food.
What are the main side effects?
- Dizziness
- Irritating cough (tell your doctor or nurse if you get this)
If you get any of these side effects
If you get any of these side effects, call your doctor or go to an A&E department immediately
- Swollen face, lips or mouth.
- A severe rash or itching.
- Sudden wheeziness or problems with breathing.
What else do I need to know?
- If you have diarrhoea, vomiting or an illness that stops you eating or drinking normally please stop your ACE inhibitor until this settles. Once settled, you can restart taking it at your usual dose
- If you tend to feel dizzy when you stand up, try to avoid getting up too quickly
- Avoid taking salt substitutes (as most contain potassium), and you should not take any potassium supplements
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory pain relief medication (for example, ibuprofen)
- Make sure you are on a low-salt diet
Contact us
If you require further information please contact the heart failure team on:
Telephone: 01642 835865
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]