Aceon (Perindopril)

Aceon is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent heart attack in people with coronary artery disease.

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.

Aceon is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by blocking ACE, an enzyme involved in narrowing blood vessels and causing sodium and fluid retention by the kidneys.

This causes blood vessels to relax, allowing blood to flow more freely and at a lower pressure, and increasing the heart's ability to pump blood in some types of heart failure.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is too late or almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture.

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.

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.

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.