Hi all,

I have been back to the doc’s and he has changed my meds from 50mg Atenolol to 2mg Perindopril (Coversyl). He told me that it was an ACE inhibitor and that the side effects to look for were a tickly cough.

I just search the web for info and it states that precautions should be taken when using ACE inhibitors. It talks about regular blood tests for potassium levels and that you should consult your doc before consuming alcohol. Are these measures applicable to my dose as it seems very small when you compare it to 50mg Atenolol. It seems strange that if it was important why the doc did not advise me. I like the occasional beer, does it mean now that I must be tea total.

Regards
Paul

Hi Paul,
I'm new to this board, but your post about ACE Inhibitors and alcohol caught my eye. I've been taking Vasotec, an Ace Inhibitor, for a few years now. I am a red wine drinker and never knew about not drinking when taking ACE Inhibitor's. I'll be interested to read your replies. If that's the case, I guess I'll have to switch medication. :D

Paul,

2mg is the lowest available dose for perindopril. You're doctor is wise to start you off on a low dose. (By the way, you can't compare mgs between different drugs..it's like trying to compare apples and oranges!). But don't be alarmed or concerned if this low dose doesn't quite do the trick and the doc wants to up it to 4mg or more. Some people take up to 16mgs.

I've checked the pharmaceutical monograph for this drug and alcohol in moderation is fine. Caution is advised only because alcohol by itself can lower blood pressure. In combo with any anti-hypertensive med, BP might, in some people, go a bit too low and cause some dizziness. Not dangerous. But it's just exactly what you read... a "precaution". You don't have to tee-total.

Regarding potassium levels, in clinical trials, a very tiny minority of people have shown increased blood potassium levels on ACEs. This is called hyperkalemia.
Most cases were isolated single values that were not necessarily relevant and were rarely a cause for withdrawal.

The only thing I would suggest is not to use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without checking with your doctor.

And after a month or so, your doc will probably want to run a routine blood test anyway, just to make sure everything is A-Okay.

Good luck!

zuzu xx

ZuZu. What would be the effects of high potassium? What symptoms would be experienced?

Fiona

Googling brings up a lot:

http://www.ohiohealth.com/healthreference/reference/8D0B86A2-65A6-4D82-B4822110131E4C8D.htm?category=questions

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/1456.html

They list symptoms of:

- weakness
- abnormal body sensations
- paralysis
- irregular heartbeat
- weak, slow pulse rate
- difficulty breathing4

The major fear with high blood potassium is sudden cessation of heartbeat:eek:.

Don't worry though, an ACE inhibitor won't cause it unless you restrict sodium AND use a salt substitute (KCl), and even then it would be a rare occurrence.
If you take an ACE with a thiazide (NOT triamterene) it's a good balance because the thiazide (like HCTZ) DEPLETES potassium.