Perindopril and pregnancy
Perindopril is not recommended in pregnancy. It can affect your baby's kidneys, particularly if it's taken in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This can result in long term damage to your baby's kidneys.
If you're already pregnant, stop taking perindopril and talk to your doctor straight away. Usually your doctor will be able to prescribe a different medicine that is safe to take in pregnancy. Perindopril should be stopped by the time you're 12 weeks pregnant at the latest.
Use contraception if you're taking perindopril and carefully plan any pregnancy with your doctor, pregnancy specialist (obstetrician) or hospital doctor. They will want to review your medical condition and medicine before you get pregnant.
Most women come off perindopril before getting pregnant, but some may continue up until they have a positive pregnancy test and then stop. Your doctor will discuss what's best for you, based on your medical condition and the risks and benefits of perindopril.
Perindopril and breastfeeding
It might be OK to take perindopril while breastfeeding, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. It is best not to take perindopril if your baby was born prematurely, but your doctor will help you decide.
Only small amounts of perindopril pass into breast milk, which is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. However, there is a very small risk that it could also lower your baby's blood pressure. Your doctor might recommend a different medicine for you to take while breastfeeding.
If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, seems much paler than usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife or doctor as soon as possible.
Perindopril and fertility
There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking perindopril reduces fertility in either men or women.
But if you're trying to get pregnant, talk to your doctor as this medicine is not recommended in pregnancy.
Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:
- trying to get pregnant
- pregnant
- breastfeeding