Aceon

Generic name: Perindopril erbumine
Brand names: Aceon

Why is Aceon prescribed?

Aceon is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. 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.

Most important fact about Aceon

You must take Aceon regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of the drug; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Aceon does not cure blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Aceon?

Aceon can be taken with or without food.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture.

What side effects may occur?

If any side effects develop, they are usually mild and are likely to disappear as therapy continues. However, if any do appear, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Aceon.

More common side effects may include:
Cough, dizziness, headache, leg pain, light-headedness, nasal inflammation, sore throat, upper respiratory infection, weakness

Why should Aceon not be prescribed?

If Aceon gives you an allergic reaction, or if you've had an allergic reaction to other ACE inhibitors, you should not take Aceon.

Special warnings about Aceon

If you develop signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; swollen arms and legs; difficulty swallowing or breathing) stop taking Aceon and contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment.

Contact your doctor if you develop abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting. ACE inhibitors such as Aceon have been known to cause intestinal swelling.

Aceon occasionally makes people dizzy, light-headed or faint, especially during the first few days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Aceon affects you. If you actually faint, stop taking the drug and call your doctor immediately.

Aceon can cause excessively low blood pressure, especially if your body is short of fluid. This problem is more likely if you are also taking a diuretic or suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating. Call your doctor if you develop such signs of fluid depletion as dry mouth, weakness or fatigue, unusual thirst, restlessness or confusion, or reduced urination.

In rare instances, Aceon can damage the kidneys. When prescribing Aceon, your doctor will perform a complete assessment of your kidney function and will continue to monitor it. If you have kidney disease, the drug should be used with caution. The doctor will also take extra care if you have congestive heart failure or circulatory problems.

Aceon occasionally causes an unwanted increase in the body's potassium level. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without your doctor's okay.

Contact your doctor promptly if you develop any sign of infection, such as a sore throat or fever. Also be sure to let the doctor know if you develop a persistent, dry cough. It could be a side effect that will disappear if the doctor switches you to another medication.

There have been rare cases of liver damage linked to Aceon. If you develop signs of liver problems such as yellowish skin and eyes, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.

If you are receiving bee or wasp venom to prevent an allergic reaction to stings, taking Aceon at the same time may cause a severe allergic reaction. Make sure the allergist knows you are taking Aceon. In fact, before any type of procedure, notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Aceon.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Aceon

If Aceon is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Aceon with the following:

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Diuretics such as Aldactone, Diuril, Dyazide, Lasix, and Moduretic
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Potassium supplements such K-Lyte, K-Tab, and Slow-K
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Gentamicin (Garamycin)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

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.

Aceon may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. It should be used with caution if you are breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual starting dosage is 4 milligrams daily, taken as a single dose or divided into two smaller doses. Your doctor may increase the dosage until your blood pressure is under control, up to a maximum of 16 milligrams per day. A dose of 4 to 8 milligrams a day is usually sufficient.

If you have been taking a diuretic, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it 2 or 3 days before you start taking Aceon. If you need to continue the diuretic without interruption, the doctor may start you on Aceon at a reduced dose of 2 to 4 milligrams daily, then gradually increase the dosage if necessary.

If your blood pressure is not adequately controlled with Aceon alone, the doctor may add a diuretic to your regimen.

Aceon has not been tested in people with severe kidney disease. If you have mild kidney problems, the usual starting dosage is 2 milligrams or less per day. The dosage may be increased gradually to not more than 8 milligrams per day.

CHILDREN

Aceon has not been tested in children.

OLDER ADULTS

Higher doses (above 8 milligrams a day) are prescribed for older adults only with extra caution.

Overdosage

The most likely warning signs of an Aceon overdose are symptoms of excessively low blood pressure, including dizziness and light-headedness. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Image : Aceon