Common uses

Aceon is used to treat high blood pressure; it is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack in people with coronary artery disease. It can be taken alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics that help rid the body of excess water. Aceon belongs to a family of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form that increases salt and water retention in your body. Aceon also improves the flow of blood through the circulatory system.

Before using

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Aceon or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).
Before using Aceon, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease;
• heart disease or congestive heart failure;
• diabetes; or
• a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogrens syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Aceon, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Aceon without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Aceon could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Aceon passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Aceon can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of perindopril.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking perindopril, unless your doctor has told you to.

A persistent, unproductive cough may occur. Tell your doctor if this occurs. Recovery is rapid when the medicine is stopped.

Aceon may lower your resistance to infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch you eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first.

Possible side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• tired feeling, muscle weakness, and pounding or uneven heartbeats;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• chest pain; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
• cough, stuffy nose;
• muscle or joint pain;
• dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• diarrhea, upset stomach; or
• mild skin itching or rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

If you take too much

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Aceon overdose may include feeling extremely dizzy or light-headed, or fainting.

Additional information
Aceon can cause injury or death to the developing baby when used during the last 6 months of pregnancy. Aceon should be stopped as soon as you know that you're pregnant; contact your doctor immediately.

Drug interactions

Before taking Aceon, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);
• a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;
• salt substitutes that contain potassium; or
• a diuretic (water pill).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Aceon or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Aceon. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.