Perindopril 4mg Tablets

Document: spc-doc_PL 30306-0174 change

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each tablet contains 4 mg perindopril tert-butylamine salt, equivalent to 3.338 mg perindopril

Excipient with known effect:

Each tablet contains 62.78 mg of lactose monohydrate For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Tablets.

White, oblong tablet, with a break-line on both sides, ‘PP’ engraved on one side and ‘4’ on the other.

The tablet can be divided into equal doses.

4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Hypertension:

Treatment of hypertension Heart failure:

Treatment of symptomatic heart failure Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Reduction of risk of cardiac events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction and/or revascularisation.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Posology

Hypertension

Perindopril may be used in monotherapy or in combination with other classes of antihypertensive therapy (see sections 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 and 5.1).

The recommended starting dose is 4 mg given once daily in the morning. Patients with a strongly activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (in particular, renovascular hypertension, salt and/or volume depletion, cardiac decompensation or severe hypertension) may experience an excessive drop in blood pressure following the initial dose. A starting dose of 2 mg is recommended in such patients and the initiation of treatment should take place under medical supervision.

The dose may be increased to 8 mg once daily after one month of treatment. Symptomatic hypotension may occur following initiation of therapy with Perindopril; this is more likely in patients who are being treated concurrently with diuretics. Caution is therefore recommended since these patients may be volume and/or salt depleted.

If possible, the diuretic should be discontinued 2 to 3 days before beginning therapy with Perindopril (see section 4.4 “Special warnings and precautions for use”).

In hypertensive patients in whom the diuretic cannot be discontinued, therapy with Perindopril should be initiated with a 2 mg dose. Renal function and serum potassium should be monitored. The subsequent dosage of Perindopril should be adjusted according to blood pressure response. If required, diuretic therapy may be resumed.

In elderly patients treatment should be initiated at a dose of 2 mg which may be progressively increased to 4 mg after one month then to 8 mg if necessary depending on renal function (see table below).

Symptomatic heart failure

It is recommended that Perindopril, generally associated with a nonpotassium-sparing diuretic and/or digoxin and/or a beta blocker, be introduced under close medical supervision with a recommended starting dose of 2 mg taken in the morning. This dose may be increased after 2 weeks to 4 mg once daily if tolerated. The dose adjustment should be based on the clinical response of the individual patient.

In severe heart failure and in other patients considered to be at high risk (patients with impaired renal function and a tendency to have electrolyte disturbances, patients receiving simultaneous treatment with diuretics and/or treatment with vasodilating agents), treatment should be initiated under careful supervision (see section 4.4 “Special warnings and precautions for use”). Patients at high risk of symptomatic hypotension e.g. patients with salt depletion with or without hyponatriaemia, patients with hypovolaemia or patients who have been receiving vigorous diuretic therapy should have these conditions corrected, if possible, prior to therapy with Perindopril. Blood pressure, renal function and serum potassium should be monitored closely, both before and during treatment with Perindopril (see section 4.4 “Special warnings and precautions for use”).

Stable coronary artery disease

Perindopril should be introduced at a dose of 4mg once dailyfor two weeks, then increased to 8mg once daily, depending on renal function and provided that 4 mg dose is well tolerated.

Elderly patients should receive 2mg once daily for one week, then 4mg once daily the next week, before increasing the dose up to 8 mg once daily depending on renal function (see Table 1 “Dosage adjustment in renal impairment”). The dose should be increased only if the previous lower dose is well tolerated.

Dosage adjustment in renal impairment:

Dosage in patients with renal impairment should be based on creatinine clearance as outlined in table 1 below:

Table 1: Dosage adjustment in renal impairment Creatinine clearance (ml/min) recommended dose

CIcr > 60 30 < Cl_CR < 60 15 < CIcr < 30

Patients under haemodialysis *

4 mg per day 2 mg per day 2 mg every other day

ClcR < 15 2 mg on the day of dialysis

* Dialysis clearance of perindoprilat is 70 ml/min. For patients on haemodialysis, the dose should be taken after dialysis.

Dosage adjustment in hepatic impairment:

No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with hepatic impairment (see sections 4.4 “Special warnings and precautions for use” and 5.2 “Pharmacokinetic properties”)

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of perindopril use in children and adolescents have not been established. Therefore, use in children and adolescents is not recommended.

Method of administration

It is recommended that Perindopril is taken once daily in the morning before a meal.

The dose should be individualised according to the patient profile (see 4.4 “Special warnings and precautions for use”) and blood pressure response.

4.3 Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to perindopril, to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1 or to any other ACE inhibitor;

• History of angioedema associated with previous ACE inhibitor therapy;

• Hereditary or idiopathic angioedema;

• Second and third trimesters of pregnancy (see sections 4.4 and 4.6).

• The concomitant use of Perindopril with aliskiren-containing products is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m²) (see sections 4.5. and 5.1).

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

There is evidence that the concomitant use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren increases the risk of hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure). Dual blockade of RAAS through the combined use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is therefore not recommended (see sections 4.5 and 5.1). If dual blockade therapy is considered absolutely necessary, this should only occur under specialist supervision and subject to frequent close monitoring of renal function, electrolytes and blood pressure. ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers should not be used concomitantly in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Agents that inhibit mTOR or DPP-IV:

Patients taking concomitant mTOR inhibitor (e.g. temsirolimus) or concomitant DPP-IV inhibitor (e.g. vildagliptin) therapy may be at increased risk for angioedema. Caution should be used when starting an mTOR inhibitor or a DPP-IV inhibitor in a patient already taking an ACE inhibitor.

Stable coronary artery disease

If an episode of unstable angina pectoris (major or not) occurs during the first month of Perindopril treatment, a careful appraisal of the benefit/risk should be performed before treatment continuation

Hypotension

ACE inhibitors may cause a fall in blood pressure. Symptomatic hypotension is seen rarely in uncomplicated hypertensive patients and is more likely to occur in patients who have been volume-depleted e.g. by diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, dialysis, diarrhoea or vomiting, or who have severe renin-dependent hypertension (see sections 4.5 “Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction” and 4.8 “Undesirable effects”). In patients with symptomatic heart failure, with or without associated renal insufficiency, symptomatic hypotension has been observed. This is most likely to occur in those patients with more severe degrees of heart failure, as reflected by the use of high doses of loop diuretics, hyponatriaemia or functional renal impairment. In patients at increased risk of symptomatic hypotension, initiation of therapy and dose adjustment should be closely monitored (see section 4.2 “Posology and method of administration” and 4.8 “Undesirable effects”). Similar considerations apply to patients with ischaemic heart or cerebrovascular disease in whom an excessive fall in blood pressure could result in a myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident.

If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in the supine position and, if necessary, should receive an intravenous infusion of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution. A transient hypotensive response is not a contraindication to further doses, which can be given usually without difficulty once the blood pressure has increased after volume expansion.

In some patients with congestive heart failure who have normal or low blood pressure, additional lowering of systemic blood pressure may occur with Perindopril. This effect is anticipated and is usually not a reason to discontinue treatment. If hypotension becomes symptomatic, a reduction of dose or discontinuation of Perindopril may be necessary.

Aortic and mitral valve stenosis / hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

As with other ACE inhibitors, Perindopril should be given with caution to patients with mitral valve stenosis and obstruction in the outflow of the left ventricle such as aortic stenosis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Renal impairment

In cases of renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 60 ml/min) the initial perindopril dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's creatinine clearance (see section 4.2 “Posology and method of administration”) and then as a function of the patient's response to treatment. Routine monitoring of potassium and creatinine are part of normal medical practice for these patients (see section 4.8 “Undesirable effects”).

In patients with symptomatic heart failure, hypotension following the initiation of therapy with ACE inhibitors may lead to some further impairment in renal function. Acute renal failure, usually reversible, has been reported in this situation.

In some patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a solitary kidney, who have been treated with ACE inhibitors, increases in blood urea and serum creatinine, usually reversible upon discontinuation of therapy, have been seen. This is especially likely in patients with renal insufficiency. If renovascular hypertension is also present there is an increased risk of severe hypotension and renal insufficiency. In these patients, treatment should be started under close medical supervision with low doses and careful dose titration. Since treatment with diuretics may be a contributory factor to the above, they should be discontinued and renal function should be monitored during the first weeks of Perindopril therapy.

Some hypertensive patients with no apparent pre-existing renal vascular disease have developed increases in blood urea and serum creatinine, usually minor and transient, especially when Perindopril has been given concomitantly with a diuretic.

This is more likely to occur in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Dosage reduction and/or discontinuation of the diuretic and/or Perindopril may be required.

Haemodialysis patients

Anaphylactoid reactions have been reported in patients dialysed with high flux membranes, and treated concomitantly with an ACE inhibitor. In these patients consideration should be given to using a different type of dialysis membrane or different class of antihypertensive agent.

Kidney transplantation

There is no experience regarding the administration of Perindopril in patients with a recent kidney transplantation.

Hypersensitivity/Angioedema

Angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, mucous membranes, tongue, glottis and/or larynx has been reported rarely in patients treated with ACE inhibitors, including Perindopril (see section 4.8 Undesirable effects). This may occur at any time during therapy. In such cases, Perindopril should promptly be discontinued and appropriate monitoring should be initiated and continued until complete resolution of symptoms has occurred. In those instances where swelling was confined to the face and lips the condition generally resolved without treatment, although antihistamines have been useful in relieving symptoms.

Angioedema associated with laryngeal oedema may be fatal. Where there is involvement of the tongue, glottis or larynx, likely to cause airway obstruction, emergency therapy should be administered promptly. This may include the administration of adrenaline and/or the maintenance of a patent airway. The patient should be under close medical supervision until complete and sustained resolution of symptoms has occurred.

Patients with a history of angioedema unrelated to ACE inhibitor therapy may be at increased risk of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor (see section 4.3 Contraindications).

Intestinal angioedema has been reported rarely in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. These patients presented with abdominal pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); in some cases there was no prior facial angioedema and C-1 esterase levels were normal. The angioedema was diagnosed by procedures including abdominal CT scan, or ultrasound or at surgery and symptoms resolved after stopping the ACE inhibitor. Intestinal angioedema should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients on ACE inhibitors presenting with abdominal pain.

Anaphylactoid reactions during low-density lipoproteins (LDL) aphaeresis

Rarely, patients receiving ACE inhibitors during low-density lipoprotein (LDL) aphaeresis with dextran sulphate have experienced life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions. These reactions were avoided by temporarily withholding ACE inhibitor therapy prior to each aphaeresis.

Anaphylactic reactions during desensitisation

Patients receiving ACE inhibitors during desensitisation treatment (e.g. hymenoptera venom) have experienced anaphylactoid reactions. In the same patients, these reactions have been avoided when the ACE inhibitors were temporarily withheld, but they reappeared upon inadvertent rechallenge.

Hepatic failure

Rarely, ACE inhibitors have been associated with a syndrome that starts with cholestatic jaundice and progresses to fulminant hepatic necrosis and (sometimes) death. The mechanism of this syndrome is not understood.

Patients receiving ACE inhibitors who develop jaundice or marked elevations of hepatic enzymes should discontinue the ACE inhibitor and receive appropriate medical follow-up (4.8 Undesirable effects).

Neutropenia/Agranulocytosis/Thrombocytopenia/Anaemia

Neutropenia/agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia and anaemia have been reported in patients receiving ACE inhibitors. In patients with normal renal function and no other complicating factors, neutropenia occurs rarely. Perindopril should be used with extreme caution in patients with collagen vascular disease, immunosuppressant therapy, treatment with allopurinol or procainamide, or a combination of these complicating factors, especially if there is pre-existing impaired renal function. Some of these patients developed serious infections, which in a few instances did not respond to intensive antibiotic therapy. If perindopril is used in such patients, periodic monitoring of white blood cell counts is advised and patients should be instructed to report any sign of infection (e.g. sore throat, fever).

Race

ACE inhibitors cause a higher rate of angioedema in black patients than in non-black patients.

As with other ACE inhibitors, perindopril may be less effective in lowering blood pressure in black people than in non-blacks, possibly because of a higher prevalence of low-renin states in the black hypertensive population.

Cough

Cough has been reported with the use of ACE inhibitors. Characteristically, the cough is non-productive, persistent and resolves after discontinuation of therapy. ACE inhibitor-induced cough should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of cough.

Surgery/Anaesthesia

In patients undergoing major surgery or during anaesthesia with agents that produce hypotension, Perindopril may block angiotensin II formation secondary to compensatory renin release. The treatment should be discontinued one day prior to the surgery. If hypotension occurs and is considered to be due to this mechanism, it can be corrected by volume expansion.

Hyperkalaemia

Elevations in serum potassium have been observed in some patients treated with ACE inhibitors, including perindopril. Risk factors for the development of hyperkalemia include those with renal insufficiency, worsening of renal function, age (> 70 years), diabetes mellitus, intercurrent events, in particular dehydration, acute cardiac decompensation, metabolic acidosis and concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone, eplerenone, triamterene, or amiloride), potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes; or those patients taking other drugs associated with increases in serum potassium (e.g. heparin). The use of potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, or potassium-containing salt substitutes particularly in patients with impaired renal function may lead to a significant increase in serum potassium. Hyperkalemia can cause serious, sometimes fatal arrhythmias. If concomitant use of the above-mentioned agents is deemed appropriate, they should be used with caution and with frequent monitoring of serum potassium (see section 4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction).

Diabetic patients

In diabetic patients treated with oral antidiabetic agents or insulin, glycaemic control should be closely monitored during the first month of treatment with an ACE inhibitor. (See section 4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction, Antidiabetics.)

Lithium

The combination of lithium and perindopril is generally not recommended (see section 4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction).

Potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes

The combination of perindopril and potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes is generally not recommended (see section 4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction).

Pregnancy:

ACE inhibitors should not be initiated during pregnancy. Unless continued ACE inhibitor therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed,

treatment with ACE inhibitors should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started (see sections 4.3 and 4.6).

Lactose

This product contains lactose monohydrate. Patients with rare hereditary problems such as galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Agents that inhibit mTOR or DPP-IV:

Diuretics

Patients on diuretics, and especially those who are volume and/or salt depleted, may experience excessive reduction in blood pressure after initiation of therapy with an ACE inhibitor. The possibility of hypotensive effects can be reduced by discontinuation of the diuretic, by increasing volume or salt intake prior to initiating therapy with low and progressive doses of perindopril.

Potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes

Although serum potassium usually remains within normal limits, hyperkalemia may occur in some patients treated with perindopril. Potassium sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride), potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes may lead to significant increases in serum potassium. Therefore the combination of perindopril with the above-mentioned drugs is not recommended (see section 4.4). If concomitant use is indicated because of demonstrated hypokalaemia they should be used with caution and with frequent monitoring of serum potassium.

Lithium

Reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with ACE inhibitors. Concomitant use of thiazide diuretics may increase the risk of lithium toxicity and enhance the already increased risk of lithium toxicity with ACE inhibitors. Use of perindopril with lithium is not recommended, but if the combination proves necessary, careful monitoring of serum lithium levels should be performed (see section 4.4).

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin £3 g/dav

When ACE-inhibitors are administered simultaneously with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (i.e. acetylsalicylic acid at anti-inflammatory dosage regimens, COX-2 inhibitors and non-selective NSAIDs), attenuation of the antihypertensive effect may occur. Concomitant use of ACE-inhibitors and NSAIDs may lead to an increased risk of worsening of renal function, including possible acute renal failure, and an increase in serum potassium, especially in patients with poor pre-existing renal function. The combination should be administered with caution, especially in the elderly. Patients should be adequately hydrated and consideration should be given to monitoring renal function after initiation of concomitant therapy, and periodically thereafter.

Antihypertensive agents and vasodilators

Concomitant use of these agents may increase the hypotensive effects of perindopril. Concomitant use with nitroglycerine and other nitrates, or other vasodilators, may further reduce blood pressure.

Other antihypertensive agents

Clinical trial data has shown that dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) through the combined use of ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is associated with a higher frequency of adverse events such as hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to the use of a single RAAS-acting agent (see sections 4.3, 4.4 and 5.1).

Antidiabetic agents

Epidemiological studies have suggested that concomitant administration of ACE inhibitors and antidiabetic medicines (insulins, oral hypoglycaemic agents) may cause an increased blood-glucose lowering effect with risk of hypoglycaemia. This phenomenon appeared to be more likely to occur during the first weeks of combined treatment and in patients with renal impairment.

Acetylsalicylic acid, thrombolytics, beta-blockers, nitrates

Perindopril may be used concomitantly with acetylsalicylic acid (when used as a thrombolytic), thrombolytics, beta-blockers and/or nitrates.

Tricyclic antidepressants/Antipsychotics/Anaesthetics

Concomitant use of certain anaesthetic medicinal products, tricyclic antidepressants and antipsychotics with ACE inhibitors may result in further reduction of blood pressure (see section 4.4).

Sympathomimetics

Sympathomimetics may reduce the antihypertensive effects of ACE inhibitors.

Gold:

Nitritoid reactions (symptoms include facial flushing, nausea, vomiting and hypotension) have been reported rarely in patients on therapy with injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate) and concomitant ACE inhibitor therapy including perindopril.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

The use of ACE inhibitors is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.4).The use of ACE inhibitors is contra-indicated during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogenicity following exposure to ACE inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Unless continued ACE inhibitor therapy is considered essential, patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with ACE inhibitors should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.

Exposure to ACE inhibitor therapy during the second and third trimesters is known to induce human fetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia). (See section 5.3). Should exposure to ACE inhibitor have occurred from the second trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound check of renal function and skull is recommended. Infants whose mothers have taken ACE inhibitors should be closely observed for hypotension (see section 4.3 and 4.4).

Breastfeeding

Because no information is available regarding the use of Perindopril tablets during breastfeeding, Perindopril tablets are not recommended and alternative treatments with better established safety profiles during breast-feeding are preferable, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Perindopril has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines but individual reactions related to low blood pressure may occur in some patients, particularly at the start of treatment or in combination with another antihypertensive medication.

As a result the ability to drive or operate machinery may be impaired.

4.8 Undesirable effects

The following undesirable effects have been observed during treatment with perindopril and ranked under the following frequency:

Very common (>1/10); common (>1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000),not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Blood and the lymphatic system disorders:

Decreases in haemoglobin and haematocrit, thrombocytopenia, leucopoenia/neutropenia, and cases of agranulocytosis or pancytopenia, have been reported very rarely. In patients with a congenital deficiency of G-6PDH, very rare cases of haemolytic anaemia have been reported (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).

Metabolism and nutrition disorders:

Not known : hypoglycaemia (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).

Psychiatric disorders:

Uncommon: mood or sleep disturbances

Nervous system disorders:

Common: headache, dizziness, vertigo, paresthaesia Very rare: confusion

Eye disorders:

Common: vision disturbance

Ear and labyrinth disorders:

Common: tinnitus

Cardiac disorders:

Very rare: arrhythmia, angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, possibly secondary to excessive hypotension in high-risk patients (see section 4.4).

Vascular disorders:

Common: hypotension and effects related to hypotension

Very rare: stroke, possibly secondary to excessive hypotension in high-risk

patients (see section 4.4).

Not known: vasculitis

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:

Common: cough, dyspnoea Uncommon: bronchospasm Very rare: eosinophilic pneumonia, rhinitis

Gastro-intestinal disorders:

Common: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dysgeusia, dyspepsia, diarrhoea,

constipation

Uncommon: dry mouth

Very rare: pancreatitis

Hepatobiliary disorders:

Very rare: hepatitis either cytolytic or cholestatic (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use)

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:

Common: rash, pruritus

Uncommon: angioedema of face, extremities, lips, mucous membranes, tongue, glottis and/or larynx, urticaria (see 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).

Very rare: erythema multiforme

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders:

Common: muscle cramps

Renal and urinary disorders:

Uncommon: renal insufficiency Very rare: acute renal failure

Reproductive system and breast disorders:

Uncommon: impotence

General disorders and administration site conditions:

Common: asthenia Uncommon: sweating

Investigations:

Increases in blood urea and plasma creatinine, hyperkaliaemia reversible on discontinuation may occur, especially in the presence of renal insufficiency, severe heart failure and renovascular hypertension. Elevation of liver enzymes and serum bilirubin have been reported rarely.

Clinical trials

During the randomised period of EUROPA study, only serious adverse events were collected. Few patients experienced serious adverse events: 16 (0.3%) of the 6122 Perindopril patients and 12 (0.2%) of the 6107 placebo patients. In Perindopril -treated patients, hypotension was observed in 6 patients, angioedema in 3 patients and sudden cardiac arrest in 1 patient. More patients withdrew for cough, hypotension or other intolerance on perindopril than on placebo, 6.0% (n=366) versus 2.1% (n=129) respectively.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme; website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

4.9 Overdose

Limited data are available on overdose in humans. Symptoms associated with overdose of ACE inhibitors may include hypotension, circulatory shock, electrolyte disturbances, renal failure, hyperventilation, tachycardia, palpitations, bradycardia, dizziness, anxiety, and cough.

The recommended treatment of overdose is intravenous infusion of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution. If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in the shock position. If available, treatment with angiotensin II infusion and/or intravenous catecholamines may also be considered. Perindopril may be removed from the general circulation by haemodialysis. (See 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use, Haemodialysis Patients.) Pacemaker therapy is indicated for therapy-resistant bradycardia. Vital signs, serum electrolytes and creatinine concentrations should be monitored continuously.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: ACE inhibitors, perindopril. ATC code: C09A A04

Mechanism of action

Perindopril is an inhibitor of the enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ACE). The converting enzyme, or kinase, is an exopeptidase that allows conversion of angiotensin I into the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II as well as causing the degradation of the vasodilator bradykinin into an inactive heptapeptide.

Pharmacodynamic effects

Inhibition of ACE results in a reduction of angiotensin II in the plasma, which leads to increased plasma renin activity (by inhibition of the negative feedback of renin release) and reduced secretion of aldosterone. Since ACE inactivates bradykinin, inhibition of ACE also results in an increased activity of circulating and local kallikrein-kinin systems (and thus also activation of the prostaglandin system). It is possible that this mechanism contributes to the blood pressure-lowering action of ACE inhibitors and is partially responsible for certain of their side effects (e.g. cough).

Perindopril acts through its active metabolite, perindoprilat. The other metabolites show no inhibition of ACE activity in vitro.

Clinical efficacy and safety

Hypertension

Perindopril is active in all grades of hypertension: mild, moderate, severe; a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressures in both supine and standing positions is observed.

Perindopril reduces peripheral vascular resistance, leading to blood pressure reduction. As a consequence, peripheral blood flow increases, with no effect on heart rate.

Renal blood flow increases as a rule, while the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is usually unchanged.

The antihypertensive activity is maximal between 4 and 6 hours after a single dose and is sustained for at least 24 hours: trough effects are about 87-100 % of peak effects.

The decrease in blood pressure occurs rapidly. In responding patients, normalisation is achieved within a month and persists without the occurrence of tachyphylaxis.

Discontinuation of treatment does not lead to a rebound effect.

Perindopril reduces left ventricular hypertrophy.

In man, perindopril has been confirmed to demonstrate vasodilatory properties. It improves large artery elasticity and decreases the media:lumen ratio of small arteries.

An adjunctive therapy with a thiazide diuretic produces an additive-type of synergy. The combination of an ACE inhibitor and a thiazide also decreases the risk of hypokalaemia induced by the diuretic treatment.

Heart failure

Perindopril reduces cardiac work by a decrease in pre-load and after-load. Studies in patients with heart failure have demonstrated:

- decreased left and right ventricular filling pressures,

- reduced total peripheral vascular resistance,

- increased cardiac output and improved cardiac index.

In comparative studies, the first administration of 2 mg of perindopril to patients with mild to moderate heart failure was not associated with any significant reduction of blood pressure as compared to placebo.

Patients with stable coronary artery disease

The EUROPA study was a multicentre, international, randomised, doubleblind, placebo-controlled clinical trial lasting 4 years.

Twelve thousand two hundred and eighteen (12,218) patients aged over 18 were randomised to perindopril 8 mg (n=6110) or placebo (n=6108).

The trial population had evidence of coronary artery disease with no evidence of clinical signs of heart failure. Overall, 90% of the patients had a previous myocardial infarction and/or revascularisation. Most of the patients received the study medication on top of conventional therapy including platelet inhibitors, lipid lowering agents and beta-blockers.

The main efficacy criterion was the composite of cardiovascular mortality, non fatal myocardial infarction and/or cardiac arrest with successful resuscitation. The treatment with perindopril 8 mg once daily resulted in a significant absolute reduction in the primary endpoint of 1.9% equivalent to a relative risk reduction of 20% (95%CI [9.4; 28.6] - p<0.001). In patients with a history of myocardial infarction and/or revascularisation, an absolute reduction of 2.2% corresponding to a RRR of 22.4% (95%CI [12.0; 31.6] - p<0.001) in the primary endpoint was observed by comparison to placebo.

Cardiovascular prevention

Two large randomised, controlled trials (ONTARGET (ONgoing Telmisartan Alone and in combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial) and VA NEPHRON-D (The Veterans Affairs Nephropathy in Diabetes)) have examined the use of the combination of an ACE-inhibitor with an angiotensin II receptor blocker.

ONTARGET was a study conducted in patients with a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by evidence of end-organ damage. VA NEPHRON-D was a study in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. These studies have shown no significant beneficial effect on renal and/or cardiovascular outcomes and mortality, while an increased risk of hyperkalaemia, acute kidney injury and/or hypotension as compared to monotherapy was observed. Given their similar pharmacodynamic properties, these results are also relevant for other ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers.

ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers should therefore not be used concomitantly in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

ALTITUDE (Aliskiren Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Using Cardiovascular and Renal Disease Endpoints) was a study designed to test the benefit of adding aliskiren to a standard therapy of an ACE-inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, or both. The study was terminated early because of an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Cardiovascular death and stroke were both numerically more frequent in the aliskiren group than in the placebo group and adverse events and serious adverse events of interest (hyperkalaemia, hypotension and renal dysfunction) were more frequently reported in the aliskiren group than in the placebo group.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption

After oral administration, the absorption of perindopril is rapid and the peak concentration complete within 1 hour. Bioavailability is 65 to 70 %.

About 20 % of the total quantity of perindopril absorbed is converted into perindoprilat, the active metabolite. In addition to active perindoprilat, perindopril yields five metabolites, all inactive. The plasma half-life of perindopril is equal to 1 hour. The peak plasma concentration of perindoprilat is achieved within 3 to 4 hours.

Distribution

As ingestion of food decreases conversion to perindoprilat, hence bioavailability, perindopril should be administered orally in a single daily dose in the morning before a meal.

The volume of distribution is approximately 0.2 l/kg for unbound perindoprilat. Protein binding is slight (binding of perindoprilat to angiotensin converting enzyme is less than 30 %), but is concentration-dependent.

Elimination

Perindoprilat is eliminated in the urine and the half-life of the unbound fraction is approximately 3 to 5 hours. Dissociation of perindoprilat bound to angiotensin converting enzyme leads to an “effective” elimination half-life of 25 hours, resulting in steady-state within 4 days.

After repeated administration, no accumulation of perindopril is observed. Elimination of perindoprilat is decreased in the elderly, and also in patients with heart or renal failure. Dosage adjustment in renal insufficiency is desirable depending on the degree of impairment (creatinine clearance). Dialysis clearance of perindoprilat is equal to 70 ml/min.

Linearity/ non-linearity

Perindopril kinetics are modified in patients with cirrhosis: hepatic clearance of the parent molecule is reduced by half. However, the quantity of perindoprilat formed is not reduced and therefore no dosage adjustment is required (see also sections 4.2 “Posology and method of administration” and 4.4 “Special warnings and precautions for use”).

5.3 Preclinical safety data

In the chronic oral toxicity studies (rats and monkeys), the target organ is the kidney, with reversible damage.

No mutagenicity has been observed in in vitro or in vivo studies. Reproduction toxicology studies (rats, mice, rabbits and monkeys) showed no sign of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity. However, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, as a class, have been shown to induce adverse effects on late foetal development, resulting in foetal death and congenital effects in rodents and rabbits: renal lesions and an increase in peri- and postnatal mortality have been observed.

No carcinogenicity has been observed in long term studies in rats and mice.

6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Hydrophobic colloidal silica microcrystalline cellulose

lactose monohydrate magnesium stearate

6.2 Incompatibilities

Not applicable

6.3 Shelf life

2 years

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Do not store above 30°C.

6.5. Nature and contents of container

Aluminium/Aluminium Blister packs: 14, 20, 28, 30, 56, 60 and 90 tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Actavis Group PTC ehf Reykjavikurvegur 76-78 220 Hafnarfjordur Iceland

8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 30306/0174

9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE

AUTHORISATION

DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

18/12/2014