Aceon

Perindopril is a drug which is used to lower blood pressure, either alone or when used with other drugs. Hypertension (high blood pressure) increases the pressure on heart and arteries which may lead to damage to heart, brain or kidneys. Proper control of the blood pressure may help in avoiding such calamities.

This drug belongs to a group called ACE (Angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor and relaxes the blood vessels by doing so. It is also used to prevent heart attack in those with coronary artery disease.

It is a prescription drug available in the form of tablet.

Patient is the authoritative figure when it comes to any medical procedure or any drug therapy. It is important for the patient to know all the details about the drug and the start it.

Doctor also has a duty to bring out answers from the patient which play important role in treatment like history, any allergy or any medical condition the patient has.

For this purpose, it is important to have a detailed session between patient and the physician before starting this drug to sort out all the details.

• Detailed history of a patient is extremely important prior to any medical therapy and in this case it is more likely that a drug be started after it. Allergies or any history of allergy to any drug, food, preservatives, dyes or animal products; history of drug usage, past medical or surgical procedure should also be kept in record to predict any drug interaction.
• Physical examination should be done before starting this drug so that any physiological or pathological condition by which this drug may interfere may be ruled out.
• Age specific analysis is vital to have information about side effects of different age groups. There is lack of enough studies in children and geriatric patients to prove its safety in these groups. Studies have revealed that it is not safe for use in pregnancy as it causes harm to the fetus while there are not enough studies to rule out its safety in breastfeeding women.
• Drug interactions are the effects on the therapy or the condition for which the drug is used by other drugs used concomitantly. It is necessary that no drug be started without consulting a physician as other drug may cause alteration in the effect of drug or its removal from the body. The use of this drug with aliskiren and sacubitril is contraindicated and doctor may change either of the drug used. The use of quinapril with anti-platelet agents, angiotensin receptor blockers, anti-metabolites, diuretics, NSAIDs, opioids and monoclonal antibodies is also not recommended; however the doctor may only change the dose instead of changing the drug. Interactions with certain types of food, tobacco and alcohol may also occur and patient should be aware of these.
• Medical conditions, other than the condition for which this drug is used, may also affect working of the drug and cause harm. It is important for the patient to give detailed history, and important for the doctor to derive such details from the patient to avoid such circumstances. The conditions which may interact with this drug include angioedema, hereditary or idiopathic angioedema, collagen vascular disease, kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, high potassium in the blood and electrolyte or fluid imbalances.

Treatment of high blood pressure is multi-dimensional and majorly involves lifestyle modification. Weight control, exercise, avoidance of stress, relaxation, less salt usage and change in dietary habits play a significant role in blood pressure management.

Remember that this drug alone cannot solve the problem if there is no change in lifestyle. The drug should be used according to the instructions by the doctor and any missed dose should be taken as soon as one remembers.

This drug does not control acutely high blood pressure but plays role in relieving the pressure in the vessels.

Precautions are the part and parcel of any treatment and patient must adhere to these to improve the outcome. It is the duty of the doctor or any medical care provider to make the patient aware about these tips as an aid to the therapy.

Regular visits to the doctor are important to keep an eye on the progress.

• Blood tests can be done to check the harmful effects of the drug.
• Anaphylaxis reaction may occur as a form of allergy. Get medical help on emergency basis as this is a life threatening problem.
• Drink plenty of water and fluids while being on this therapy.
• Abdominal pain may indicate intestinal angioedema and patient should consult the doctor in such case.
• Avoid driving or any work involving use of heavy machinery as the drug may cause dizziness and fainting.
• White blood cells may decrease and patient should get medical help in suspicion of any infection.
• Potassium level may become high in the body and it is important to have a keen eye on blood electrolytes while being on this drug.
• Black patients do not experience similar efficacy of this drug and it also causes swelling in hands, feet and face in such population. It is better to use some other medication for use in black population.
• Do not start any new drug without consulting your doctor as it may cause interactions.
• Store the drug in a dry place at room temperature. Keep it away from the reach of children.

There is no drug in the world which is without its unwanted effects. Some drugs are relatively safe for use while for some drug, the patient should be cautious as these drugs may cause more harm than good. Patient should always get medical help in case of any adverse effect, no matter how much trivial it is.

Some side effects associate with perindopril include:

• body aches
• chills, cough
• difficulty breathing
• ear or nasal congestion
• fever
• headache
• loss of voice
• runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• unusual weakness
• abdominal pain
• bladder pain
• blood or pus in urine
• change in hearing
• chest pain
• cold or flu-like symptoms
• difficult or painful micturition
• dry throat, earache
• frequent urge to urinate
• hoarseness
• lower back or side pain
• swelling of glands in the neck
• trouble with swallowing
• vomiting
• blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle cramps
• weakness in the hands or feet
• rapid breathing
• seizures
• sunken eyes
• sweating
• thirst
• trembling and heaviness of the legs