Aceon
Perindopril
Aceon
Aceon belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The medication is used to treat high blood pressure, as well as to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
In patients with high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, the blood flowing through the body places an excessive load on the heart and arterial walls. Aceon helps treat these conditions by inhibiting substances that cause blood vessels to tighten and narrow. This allows the blood vessels to relax and eases the load placed on the vessels and the heart.
Common side effects experienced by patients taking Aceon in clinical trials include:
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Upper respiratory infection
- Weakness
- Nasal congestion
- Leg pain
- Diarrhea
For more information, see our Aceon side effects page.
Aceon is used to treat patients with high blood pressure. High blood pressure is an asymptomatic condition that places patients at higher risk of experiencing adverse events such as a heart attack and stroke.
The medication is also used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with coronary artery disease, which is an increasingly common condition that occurs when fat, cholesterol and other substances accumulate inside the arterial walls, causing the arteries to narrow.
Aceon should be only a single component of a more comprehensive treatment plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes such as a proper diet and regular exercise.
Aceon may interact with the following medications:
- Diuretics
- Potassium supplements
- Indomethacin
- Heparin
- Cyclosporine
- Lithium
- Gold
- Digoxin
- Gentamicin
Aceon may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medicines, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with Aceon.
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Aceon dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will determine the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Patients should follow the dosage guidelines established by their doctor.
Aceon is administered in the form of an oral tablet. Patients with coronary artery disease usually take an initial dose of 4 mg once per day for the first two weeks of treatment. After this time period, patients usually take an increased dose of 8 mg per day.
Patients with high blood pressure usually also take a starting dose of 4 mg per day. This dose may be gradually increased until an appropriate treatment dose is achieved. This maintenance dose is usually 4 to 8 mg, but may reach up to 16 mg per day.
Elderly patients or patients also undergoing treatment with a diuretic may take lower doses of Aceon.
Missing a Dose of Aceon
If you forget to take a dose of Aceon, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not consume a double dose of Aceon to compensate for a missed dose.
Aceon Overdose
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they have taken too much of this medication.
December 30, 1993
Black Box Warning
Aceon, like other ACE inhibitors, carries a black box warning informing consumers and health care professionals that the medication can cause birth defects and even fetal death if used during pregnancy. Consequently, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not initiate treatment with Aceon. If you become pregnant while taking Aceon, contact your doctor immediately.
Recalls
In 2004, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recalled certain lots of Aceon because the medications did not meet stability requirements. The actions constituted a Class III recall.
In 2008, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. again recalled certain lots of Aceon because the medications may have contained trace amounts of latex. The actions constituted a Class II recall.
- http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=9343
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602063
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a602017.html
- http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/EnforcementReports/2008/ucm120512.htm
- http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/EnforcementReports/2004/ucm120282.htm
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