P-Indo-AM

Perindopril erbumine (4mg) + Indapamide (1.25mg)
Price: ₹110 - ₹140 for 10 tablets (Strip)
Mfr: Lupin Ltd. | Form: Tablet

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination (FDC) antihypertensive medication containing an ACE inhibitor (Perindopril) and a thiazide-like diuretic (Indapamide). It provides synergistic blood pressure lowering through complementary mechanisms, offering improved efficacy and adherence compared to monotherapy. It is a first-line treatment for essential hypertension in India, especially when monotherapy is insufficient.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: One tablet (Perindopril 4mg + Indapamide 1.25mg) orally once daily, preferably in the morning. Dose may be titrated after 3-4 weeks of therapy if needed. Initiation with a lower dose (e.g., Perindopril 2mg) may be considered in some patients.

Note: Swallow whole with a glass of water. Can be taken with or without food, but taking it consistently with respect to meals is advised. Morning administration minimizes nocturnal diuresis.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to perindopril, indapamide, other sulfonamide-derived drugs, or any excipient
  • History of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor therapy
  • Anuria, severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²)
  • Refractory hypokalemia, hyponatremia
  • Symptomatic hyperuricemia (gout)
  • Pregnancy (2nd & 3rd trimester), women planning pregnancy

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Perindopril inhibits Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE), reducing the conversion of angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and decreasing aldosterone secretion, leading to vasodilation and reduced sodium/water retention. Indapamide inhibits sodium reabsorption in the early distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, promoting natriuresis and diuresis, reducing plasma and extracellular fluid volume. The combination reduces peripheral vascular resistance and blood volume synergistically.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Persistent dry cough (due to perindopril)
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache
  • Fatigue, asthenia
  • Nausea, mild GI upset
  • Orthostatic hypotension (especially during initiation)

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: CONTRANDICATED in 2nd and 3rd trimesters (ACE inhibitors cause fetal toxicity: oligohydramnios, renal dysplasia, skull hypoplasia, death). Discontinue immediately if pregnancy is detected. Use in 1st trimester only if clearly needed.

Driving: May cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fatigue, especially during initiation. Patients should not drive or operate machinery until their individual response is known.

🔄 Drug Interactions

Potassium-sparing diuretics (Spironolactone, Amiloride)Increased risk of severe hyperkalemiaMajor
LithiumReduced renal clearance of lithium, leading to toxicityMajor
NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac)Reduced antihypertensive effect, risk of acute renal impairmentMajor
Other Antihypertensives (Beta-blockers, CCBs)Additive hypotensive effectModerate
Antidiabetics (Insulin, Sulfonylureas)Indapamide may alter glucose tolerance, requiring dose adjustmentModerate
DigoxinHypokalemia (from indapamide) potentiates digoxin toxicityModerate
Corticosteroids (systemic)Increased risk of hypokalemiaModerate
AllopurinolIncreased risk of hypersensitivity reactionsModerate

🔁 Alternatives to P-Indo-AM

Same composition (Perindopril erbumine (4mg) + Indapamide (1.25mg)), different brands:

Coversyl-AM 4mg Perigard-AM 4mg Perindopril-AM (Generic) Perispan-AM