Aceon (perindopril) belongs to a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Aceon is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent heart attack in people with coronary artery disease.
Aceon may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Aceon if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
You should not use Aceon if you have hereditary angioedema.
If you have diabetes, do not use Aceon together with any medication that contains aliskiren.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use Aceon if you are allergic to perindopril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril , lisinopril, moexipril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.
If you have diabetes, do not use Aceon together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking this medicine with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
You should not use Aceon if you have hereditary angioedema.
To make sure you can safely take Aceon, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
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liver disease;
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heart disease or congestive heart failure;
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diabetes; or
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a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren"s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Do not use Aceon if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Aceon can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking this medicine.
It is not known whether perindopril passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Aceon?
Take Aceon exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Aceon.
Aceon can be taken with or without food.
Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be checked.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Aceon. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include feeling extremely dizzy or light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid?
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Aceon.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Aceon, unless your doctor has told you to.
Aceon side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Aceon: hives; severe stomach pain, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
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little or no urinating;
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swelling, rapid weight gain;
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high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling);
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pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or
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jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common Aceon side effects may include:
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dizziness;
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back pain; or
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cough.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Aceon?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Aceon, especially:
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gold injections to treat arthritis;
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lithium;
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NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others;
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a potassium supplement;
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salt substitutes that contain potassium; or
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a diuretic or "water pill."
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Aceon, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
