Perindopril (By mouth)

Introduction:

Perindopril (per-IN-doe-pril)

Treats high blood pressure (hypertension) and coronary artery disease (CAD). This medicine is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.

Brand Name(s):

Aceon

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to perindopril or other blood pressure medicine (such as Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Vasotec®, Zestril®). You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), gentamicin (Garamycin®), lithium, or potassium supplements. Tell your doctor if you use salt substitutes, or diuretics (water pills) such as amiloride, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), indapamide, metolazone, spironolactone, torsemide, triamterene, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Combipres®, Demadex®, Dyazide®, Lasix®, Lozol®, Maxzide®, Midamor®, Moduretic®, Tenoretic®, Zaroxolyn®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, or if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or lupus. Tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect).
  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips.
  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
  • Problems urinating, pain in side or lower back.
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Muscle pain or weakness.
  • Runny or stuffy nose, ear pain.
  • Headache, dizziness.
  • Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
  • Upset stomach.
  • Weakness.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com