Stopress

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Stopress

Property Description
Active ingredient Perindopril (as Perindopril erbumine or arginine salt)
Form Film-coated tablet (Oral dosage form)
Pharmacological class Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE inhibitor)
General purpose Lowers blood pressure and reduces cardiac workload
Origin Synthetic compound

What Type of Medicine is Stopress (Perindopril)?

Stopress is a prescription-only synthetic medication whose active component is the substance Perindopril. It is formally classified as an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. This pharmacological class places the drug among the primary cardiovascular agents utilized for managing conditions related to blood vessel tension and heart function. Perindopril is clinically recognized for its role in the sustained control of hypertension. This type of medicine is a well-established tool for controlling systemic pressure.


Composition and Form: The Prodrug Concept

Stopress is supplied as an oral dosage form, typically a film-coated tablet, which is the required route of administration for its systemic action. The active substance, Perindopril, is often formulated as the tert-butylamine salt (Perindopril erbumine) or the arginine salt. Critically, Perindopril functions as a prodrug. This means the compound is initially inactive upon ingestion, and it must be converted by the liver into its therapeutically active metabolite, Perindoprilat, which then exerts the desired effect. This prodrug characteristic is intended to allow for effective systemic delivery and consistent action.


What is the General Purpose of ACE Inhibitors like Stopress?

The general purpose of Stopress is to decrease peripheral vascular resistance and, consequently, reduce the workload on the heart and lower blood pressure. The drug achieves this by inhibiting the ACE enzyme, which is responsible for converting Angiotensin I to the powerful vasoconstricting hormone Angiotensin II. By modulating this key regulatory system, Stopress promotes the widening (vasodilation) of blood vessels. A typical use scenario involves the long-term management of high blood pressure in adults, aiming to normalize circulatory dynamics. This effect leads to a steady, beneficial reduction in the force exerted on the heart muscle and the walls of the arteries, making the circulation of blood more efficient.

Regulatory References

  1. Coversyl - referral | European Medicines Agency (EMA)
  2. Public Assessment Report Perindopril tert-butylamine Glenmark

What side effects are possible with Stopress?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Stopress (prazosin hydrochloride) is a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure, and it can cause side effects. These are typically more pronounced at the beginning of treatment or following a dose increase. You should discuss all potential risks with your healthcare provider.


Common Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects include:

  • Orthostatic Hypotension/Dizziness: This is a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from a sitting or lying position to standing, which can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting (syncope). This is often called the "first-dose effect." To minimize this, rise slowly, especially when first starting the medication or increasing the dose.
  • General: Headache, drowsiness, lack of energy, weakness, and nausea.
  • Cardiovascular: Palpitations (pounding or fluttering in the chest).

Serious and Less Common Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Priapism: A painful erection or an erection that lasts longer than four hours, which requires emergency treatment to prevent permanent damage.
  • Allergic Reaction: Signs such as hives, rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
  • Worsening Angina or Chest Pain: New or increased chest discomfort.

Important Safety Information

  • Alertness: Because Stopress can cause dizziness and drowsiness, especially in the first 24 hours after a dose change, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
  • Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you take, including other blood pressure drugs and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil), as they may increase the risk of low blood pressure.
  • Cataract Surgery: Tell your ophthalmologist you are taking Stopress if you are planning to have cataract or glaucoma surgery, as it may cause a complication known as Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS).

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory profile for a Stopress (Perindopril) overdose is defined by the drug's primary physiological action. The central clinical manifestation is profound hypotension (severely low blood pressure), which may be accompanied by bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate), severe dizziness, or syncope (fainting). Overdosage has the potential to lead to serious or life-threatening outcomes, including circulatory collapse, hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium), and seizure.

Required Emergency Actions

Seek immediate medical attention upon suspicion of overdosage and contact a Poison Control Center. Official guidance mandates calling emergency services (911) immediately if the individual has collapsed, is unresponsive, is experiencing a seizure, or has trouble breathing.

Because no specific antidote is known for Perindopril, management is strictly limited to symptomatic and supportive treatment. This includes procedural steps such as restoration of circulatory volume with intravenous fluids to manage hypotension. Following overexposure, continuous cardiovascular monitoring and electrolyte monitoring are required, and the active metabolite, Perindoprilat, is removable via hemodialysis in severe cases.

Therapeutic Uses of Stopress

Stopress (Perindopril) is generally used across three primary therapeutic domains and is applied across therapeutic domains for which it is commonly used in clinical practice.

Chronic Control of Elevated Blood Pressure

The medication is commonly used for managing essential hypertension, an often asymptomatic condition where symptoms related to systemic imbalance create noticeable physiological strain over time. The key therapeutic benefit is the sustained pressure reduction, which helps maintain a sense of stability and may assist with managing risks associated with chronic high blood pressure.

Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Established Disease

Stopress plays a role in managing symptoms and risks in patients with established vascular conditions, such as stable coronary artery disease or a history of a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). This use is applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required, offering protective support that helps ease the overall symptom burden and supports the patient in managing symptom patterns related to cardiovascular risk.

Supporting Chronic Heart Function

The medication is also considered relevant for easing symptoms related to chronic cardiac overload, contributing to improved comfort during periods when the patient experiences symptoms related to systemic imbalance associated with chronic heart failure. By easing the overall symptom load and assisting with maintaining functional stability, it helps patients cope more steadily with the symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.


Quick Fact: Use in Managing Chronic Vascular Load Stopress is generally used to help address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive associated with systemic imbalance and conditions where functional stability becomes affected. This contributes to improved comfort during periods when the patient experiences symptoms related to systemic imbalance.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Stopress

This section summarizes the official population eligibility and non-eligibility information for Stopress (everolimus, in its immunosuppressant context) as defined by government regulatory documents.

Scope Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to everolimus, sirolimus, or to any component of the drug product.
Age-related eligibility rules Pediatric Patients (< 18 years): Safety and effectiveness for organ rejection prophylaxis have not been established in this age group.
Pregnancy and Lactation Status Pregnancy: Use is not recommended due to risk of fetal harm; females must use effective contraception. Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended due to potential for drug excretion into breast milk.
Eligibility-related restrictions Heart Transplant Patients: Use in de novo heart transplant patients within the first three months post-transplant is associated with increased mortality risk and is restricted. High Immunologic Risk: Safety and efficacy in kidney transplant patients at high immunologic risk have not been established. Hepatic Impairment: Requires close monitoring and dosage modification based on the degree of liver impairment.

Official eligibility statements: The drug is absolutely contraindicated due to hypersensitivity. It is indicated only for adult patients in the transplant setting. Use is officially restricted or not recommended for specific groups, including pediatric patients, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and high-risk transplant recipients. Dosage adjustments are mandated for patients with compromised liver function.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Stopress (Riociguat) can interact with several other medications, leading to potentially dangerous decreases in blood pressure or changes in the effectiveness of Stopress. Always inform your healthcare provider of all prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements you are taking.

Major Contraindications

Stopress must never be used with the following, as this combination can cause a severe, life-threatening drop in blood pressure (hypotension):

  • Nitrates or Nitric Oxide Donors (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, or amyl nitrite, often called “poppers”).
  • Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil), which are used for erectile dysfunction or other forms of pulmonary hypertension.

Interactions Affecting Stopress Levels

Certain medicines can significantly alter the concentration of Stopress in your body, requiring a dose adjustment by your doctor:

  • Strong CYP and P-gp Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, or HIV protease inhibitors like ritonavir) can increase Stopress levels, raising the risk of hypotension.
  • Strong CYP3A Inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, or the herbal product St. John's Wort) can decrease Stopress levels, reducing its effectiveness.

Other Important Considerations

  • Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium (e.g., Maalox, Mylanta) can reduce the absorption of Stopress. Take these antacids at least one hour after taking Stopress.
  • Smoking may decrease the level of Stopress in your blood. Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you start or stop smoking while on this medication.

Mechanism of Action

Stopress is a quinazoline derivative that acts as an antagonist at postsynaptic alpha1-adrenergic receptors. Specifically, it exhibits competitive inhibitory binding to the alpha1A, alpha1B, and alpha1D receptor subtypes, preventing the binding and action of endogenous catecholamines like norepinephrine and epinephrine. These alpha1-adrenoceptors are coupled to Gq proteins; their blockade inhibits the Gq-mediated intracellular cascade, which typically involves the activation of phospholipase C and the subsequent increase in inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) concentrations, leading to the mobilization of intracellular calcium ions (Ca^2+). The inhibition of this signaling pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells prevents the influx and release of Ca^2+. This reduced intracellular Ca^2+ concentration modulates the contractile state of the muscle, resulting in a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance due to vasodilation. The downstream systemic physiological consequence is a decrease in total peripheral resistance, which modulates overall systemic arterial pressure.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Stopress: Administration Guidelines

Stopress (Perindopril) is used according to specific parameters defining the exact route, timing, and dosage adjustment logic for its long-term application. The medication is available as oral tablets in strengths such as 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg, representing the designated form for systemic action.


Administration Scope

Feature Guideline
Route of Administration Oral administration only, via tablet form.
Timing in relation to meals Must be taken once daily in the morning, specifically before a meal.
Preparation Requirements Tablets may be divided into equal doses.
Missed-Dose Rules If a dose is missed, do not take a double dose; the next dose should be taken at the usual time the following morning.

Standard Dosage and Use Protocol

The dosage for Stopress is structured with initial and maintenance ranges varying by clinical indication. For essential hypertension, the typical starting dose is 4 mg once daily, with a usual maintenance range up to 8 mg daily, not exceeding 16 mg per day. The medicine is used over the long term and involves a step-wise titration process where the dose is maintained for a specific period (e.g., two to four weeks) before any potential upward adjustment is made.

Population-Specific Use

Specific dosage rules apply for certain patient populations to align with systemic constraints:

  • Older Adults (>70 years): Initial doses are generally lower, and titration is slower for conditions like stable coronary artery disease, starting at 2 mg daily for the first week.
  • Renal Impairment: Dose must be adjusted based on the patient’s creatinine clearance. For dialysis patients, a 2 mg dose is administered on the day of dialysis, taken after the session.
  • Pediatric Population: Use is not recommended in patients under 18 years, as safety and efficacy have not been established.

These guidelines define the standardized administration and adjustment protocol.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Stopress (Perindopril)


Research Studies for Chronically Elevated Blood Pressure

Large-scale Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were conducted involving adults diagnosed with essential hypertension (chronically elevated blood pressure). These studies were used to examine Perindopril's association with Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure (BP) measurements, which are outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance. The research also monitored the rate of cardiovascular events over periods extending up to five years.

Studies reported how Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure evolved in the observed populations during the study period. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to subjects whose blood pressure readings tracked toward specific target goals. However, data for certain groups remain insufficient, as the research is ongoing regarding the full understanding of the differential blood pressure response that was observed in specific ethnic subgroups within the populations studied.


Research Studies for Cardiovascular Event Rates

Large-scale, placebo-controlled RCTs evaluated Perindopril in patients with established vascular conditions, such as stable coronary artery disease. These studies monitored composite cardiovascular event rates (e.g., heart attack and cardiovascular death), which are outcomes describing episodic or acute changes. The major trials tracked and reported the incidence of the composite cardiovascular endpoint over several years of follow-up.

Follow-up durations were limited in certain analyses, and the results apply only to the populations studied. Evidence remains limited regarding the isolation of the reported long-term outcomes from coexisting changes in blood pressure measurements. Subgroup findings based on less common risk factors are still emerging.


Research Studies for Stroke and TIA Recurrence

Specific RCTs have examined the rate of stroke recurrence in adults who had previously experienced a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Major trial findings describe patterns related to the observed rate of stroke recurrence in the group that was treated with combination therapy (Perindopril plus a diuretic).

Comparative evidence is lacking for Perindopril as a monotherapy for this specific outcome, as the most descriptive findings are associated with the combination regimen. Therefore, the evidence quality varies across studies when considering the single agent for this purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Stopress (FAQ)


Q: How quickly should I expect Stopress to start working?

According to official product information, the active form of Stopress reaches its peak concentration in the bloodstream approximately 3 to 7 hours after taking a dose. The maximum effect on the body’s enzyme system typically occurs shortly after this, within 4 to 6 hours. Consistent once-daily dosing is noted in regulatory studies as generally reaching steady-state concentrations within about 3 to 6 days.


Q: Do people report feeling any immediate effects when taking Stopress?

While the full therapeutic effect takes a few days to develop, official documents state that some patients may notice a drop in blood pressure (symptomatic hypotension) shortly after taking the initial dose. This is most often observed in people whose body fluid or salt levels are low before treatment begins.


Q: Is Stopress a newer or older medication?

The active ingredient in Stopress, Perindopril, belongs to the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class. This type of medication has been extensively used and studied in clinical practice for cardiovascular conditions for more than 15 years, establishing it as a well-known agent.


Q: Do I need to change my diet or lifestyle while taking Stopress?

Official product information cautions against using salt substitutes that contain potassium or taking potassium supplements while receiving this treatment, unless specifically directed. This is because the drug can cause an increase in potassium levels in the blood.


Q: Does Stopress interact with common over-the-counter pain relievers?

Studies cited in official documents indicate that common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may interact with Stopress. This combination can potentially raise the risk of elevated potassium levels or a decrease in kidney function. However, low-dose aspirin is often noted in product information as not having a major interaction with Stopress.


Q: What happens if I drink alcohol while taking Stopress?

Regulatory documents caution that alcohol can have an additive effect with Stopress when it comes to lowering blood pressure. This combination may increase the chances of symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Regulatory documents indicate that limitations on alcohol intake are typically advised, especially when first starting the medication or following a dose adjustment.


Q: Does Stopress interact with birth control pills?

Official drug interaction checkers and labels for the active ingredient do not typically list a major or moderate interaction between Stopress and common oral hormonal contraceptives.


Q: Can Stopress cause trouble sleeping or drowsiness?

Official documents list side effects that may affect the central nervous system, such as dizziness and somnolence (drowsiness), as common occurrences. Insomnia (trouble sleeping) has been reported in clinical trials, but typically at a low frequency.


Q: How long does Stopress stay in your system after stopping treatment?

The drug's active form has a rapid initial period of elimination but a prolonged terminal half-life due to its slow release from binding sites in the body. This prolonged elimination time is noted in official documents.


Q: What is the connection between Stopress and changes in mood?

Official regulatory documents note that certain psychological adverse events, such as nervousness, have been reported in clinical trials. A direct, detailed connection between Stopress and specific severe mood changes is not extensively covered in the core adverse event listings.


Q: Can taking Stopress make certain lab test results inaccurate?

Yes, Stopress can cause an increase in serum potassium levels (hyperkalemia) and may also affect other results such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or serum creatinine. This is more likely in people who already have some degree of kidney function impairment.


Q: Is Stopress a narcotic or habit-forming drug?

No. Stopress is a medication used to treat cardiovascular conditions and is not classified as a narcotic or a controlled (DEA scheduled) substance.


Q: Is there a generic version of Stopress available?

Yes, the active ingredient in Stopress, Perindopril, is generally available as an approved generic medication.


Q: How is Stopress generally absorbed by the body?

Official information explains that the drug is a prodrug, meaning it is initially inactive when swallowed. It must be converted into its therapeutically active metabolite by the liver before it can fully exert its intended effect throughout the body.


Q: Why do official documents state that Stopress should be taken with or without food?

The official product information generally instructs that Stopress be taken before a meal. This requirement is due to regulatory studies showing that food can reduce the amount of the active substance the body absorbs, which is described as potentially reducing the medication's intended systemic effect.


Q: Is a list of all known ingredients in Stopress available?

Official product information, such as prescribing labels, contains a complete list of both the active ingredients and all inactive ingredients (known as excipients) used in the formulation of the tablets.

How should Stopress be stored and disposed of?

Stopress (Perindopril) tablets must be stored according to official regulatory requirements to maintain product stability and ensure safety.

Storage Requirements

The medication must be kept at room temperature, specifically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F), and should not be frozen or exposed to excess heat. To prevent degradation, keep the tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed, ensuring they are protected from moisture and light. As a mandatory safety measure, Stopress must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Protocol

Unused or expired tablets should not be flushed down the toilet or poured into a drain. The recommended method is to use a drug take-back program. If one is unavailable, dispose of the tablets in household trash only after mixing them with an undesirable substance, placing the mixture in a sealed container, and following local regulations.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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