Aceon (Perindopril) vs Alternatives: Detailed Comparison
Aceon vs Alternatives Comparison Tool
This tool compares Aceon (Perindopril) with common alternatives to help understand their differences in dosing, cost, side effects, and benefits.
Aceon (Perindopril)
Class: ACE Inhibitor
Typical Dose: 4-8 mg once daily
Cost: $10-$20/month (generic)
Side Effects: Low cough incidence, mild hypotension
Advantage: Once-daily dosing with good renal protection
Lisinopril
Class: ACE Inhibitor
Typical Dose: 10-40 mg once daily
Cost: $8-$15/month
Side Effects: Cough, hyperkalaemia
Advantage: Widely available, extensive safety data
Enalapril
Class: ACE Inhibitor
Typical Dose: 5-20 mg once daily
Cost: $9-$18/month
Side Effects: Cough, dizziness
Advantage: Flexible dosing, good for elderly
Ramipril
Class: ACE Inhibitor
Typical Dose: 2.5-10 mg once daily
Cost: $12-$22/month
Side Effects: Cough, renal impairment risk
Advantage: Strong evidence for cardiovascular risk reduction
Captopril
Class: ACE Inhibitor
Typical Dose: 12.5-50 mg twice daily
Cost: $15-$25/month
Side Effects: Higher cough rate, taste disturbances
Advantage: Rapid onset, useful in acute settings
Losartan (ARB)
Class: Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Typical Dose: 50-100 mg once daily
Cost: $13-$24/month
Side Effects: Less cough, possible dizziness
Advantage: Alternative for patients intolerant to ACE inhibitors
Detailed Comparison Table
| Drug | Class | Typical Daily Dose | Average Monthly Cost (USD) | Key Side Effects | Notable Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aceon (Perindopril) | ACE inhibitor | 4-8 mg | $10-$20 | Low cough incidence, mild hypotension | Once-daily dosing with good renal protection |
| Lisinopril | ACE inhibitor | 10-40 mg | $8-$15 | Cough, hyperkalaemia | Widely available, extensive safety data |
| Enalapril | ACE inhibitor | 5-20 mg | $9-$18 | Cough, dizziness | Flexible dosing, good for elderly |
| Ramipril | ACE inhibitor | 2.5-10 mg | $12-$22 | Cough, renal impairment risk | Strong evidence for cardiovascular risk reduction |
| Captopril | ACE inhibitor | 12.5-50 mg (divided doses) | $15-$25 | Higher cough rate, taste disturbances | Rapid onset, useful in acute settings |
| Losartan | ARB | 50-100 mg | $13-$24 | Less cough, possible dizziness | Alternative for patients intolerant to ACE inhibitors |
Choosing the Right Medication: Consider factors like dosing convenience, side-effect tolerance, kidney function, cost, and clinical evidence. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Key Takeaways
- Aceon is the brand name for perindopril, an ACE inhibitor used for hypertension and heart failure.
- Compared with other ACE inhibitors, Aceon offers a once‑daily dose and a relatively low incidence of cough.
- Cost varies widely; generic perindopril is usually cheaper than brand‑only options.
- Patients with kidney issues may need dose adjustments regardless of the specific ACE inhibitor.
- Choosing the right drug depends on dosage convenience, side‑effect profile, and insurance coverage.
What is Aceon?
When you see the name Aceon is the brand name for perindopril, an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, you know it belongs to the ACE inhibitor class. Perindopril works by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
Typical starting dose for adults is 4mg once daily, often adjusted to 8mg based on blood pressure response. It can be taken with or without food, which adds flexibility for patients.
How Aceon Works
Aceon’s active ingredient, perindopril, blocks the enzyme angiotensin‑converting enzyme (ACE). This prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor. With less angiotensinII, blood vessels stay relaxed, blood pressure drops, and the heart’s workload lessens.
Because ACE inhibition also reduces aldosterone secretion, Aceon helps lower fluid retention, a key benefit for people with heart failure.
Common Alternatives to Aceon
Several other ACE inhibitors and one ARB are frequently prescribed when doctors consider a switch or need a backup option. Below are the most common alternatives, each introduced with microdata for clear identification.
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that started on the market in 1991 and is widely used for hypertension and post‑myocardial‑infarction therapy
Enalapril belongs to the ACE inhibitor class and is often chosen for its flexible dosing (5‑20mg daily)
Ramipril is another ACE inhibitor that has strong evidence for reducing cardiovascular events in high‑risk patients
Captopril was the first oral ACE inhibitor, known for twice‑daily dosing and a higher chance of causing a dry cough
Losartan is an angiotensinII receptor blocker (ARB) that provides a similar blood‑pressure‑lowering effect but with a lower risk of cough
All these drugs share the goal of controlling blood pressure, but they differ in dosing frequency, side‑effect profiles, and cost.
Side‑Effect Profiles at a Glance
Understanding side effects helps you decide whether Aceon or an alternative fits your lifestyle. Common issues across the class include:
- Dry cough (up to 10% with many ACE inhibitors; lower with perindopril)
- Elevated blood potassium (hyperkalaemia) especially in patients with kidney disease
- Rare angio‑edema, a potentially serious swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Light‑headedness after the first few doses
Losartan, as an ARB, typically avoids the cough but may cause similar potassium changes.
Comparison Table
| Drug | Class | Typical Daily Dose | Average Monthly Cost (USD) | Key Side Effects | Notable Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aceon (Perindopril) | ACE inhibitor | 4‑8mg | $10‑$20 (generic) | Low cough incidence, mild hypotension | Once‑daily dosing with good renal protection |
| Lisinopril | ACE inhibitor | 10‑40mg | $8‑$15 | Cough, hyperkalaemia | Widely available, extensive safety data |
| Enalapril | ACE inhibitor | 5‑20mg | $9‑$18 | Cough, dizziness | Flexible dosing, good for elderly |
| Ramipril | ACE inhibitor | 2.5‑10mg | $12‑$22 | Cough, renal impairment risk | Strong evidence for cardiovascular risk reduction |
| Captopril | ACE inhibitor | 12.5‑50mg (divided doses) | $15‑$25 | Higher cough rate, taste disturbances | Rapid onset, useful in acute settings |
| Losartan | ARB | 50‑100mg | $13‑$24 | Less cough, possible dizziness | Alternative for patients intolerant to ACE inhibitors |
How to Choose the Right Medication
Picking a blood‑pressure pill isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all decision. Consider these factors:
- Dosing convenience: If you prefer a single‑pill‑a‑day routine, Aceon, Lisinopril, Enalapril, and Ramipril all qualify. Captopril usually requires twice‑daily dosing.
- Side‑effect tolerance: Patients who develop a persistent dry cough on ACE inhibitors often switch to an ARB like Losartan.
- Kidney function: All ACE inhibitors can raise potassium levels. Those with chronic kidney disease may need lower doses or more frequent lab monitoring.
- Cost and insurance: Generic perindopril (Aceon) is competitively priced, but some formularies favor Lisinopril or Enalapril.
- Clinical evidence for your condition: If you have a history of heart attack, Ramipril’s proven mortality benefit might sway the decision.
Talk to your pharmacist or prescriber about these points; they can run a quick drug‑interaction check and confirm coverage.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
In North America, prices fluctuate based on generic availability and provincial drug plans. As of 2025, the average wholesale price for generic perindopril is about $0.30 per tablet, translating to roughly $9 per month for a 30‑day supply.
Popular provincial formularies often list Lisinopril and Enalapril as preferred generic choices, so you might see a lower copay. However, brand‑only Aceon can be covered under private plans that waive the deductible.
If cost is a major barrier, ask your prescriber whether a therapeutic substitution is possible. Many pharmacies will automatically substitute a cheaper generic unless the prescriber writes “no substitution.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Aceon to another ACE inhibitor without a doctor’s visit?
Can I switch from Aceon to another ACE inhibitor without a doctor’s visit?
It’s best to discuss any change with your prescriber. Even though the drugs act similarly, dosage strengths differ, and your blood pressure needs to be re‑checked after the switch.
Why do some people develop a cough on Aceon but not on Losartan?
ACE inhibitors block the breakdown of bradykinin, a peptide that can irritate the airway and cause a dry cough. ARBs like Losartan block the receptor for angiotensinII but don’t affect bradykinin, so the cough risk is lower.
Is Aceon safe during pregnancy?
ACE inhibitors, including perindopril, are classified as pregnancy category D. They can cause fetal kidney problems and should be stopped before conception or early in the first trimester.
How often should I get blood tests while on Aceon?
Initially, doctors usually check kidney function and electrolytes within 1‑2 weeks of starting therapy, then again at 1 month. After stabilizing, tests are done every 3‑6 months unless you have kidney disease.
Can I take Aceon with over‑the‑counter NSAIDs?
Frequent NSAID use can blunt the blood‑pressure‑lowering effect of ACE inhibitors and increase the risk of kidney injury. Use NSAIDs sparingly and monitor your blood pressure.
Bottom Line
If you value a simple once‑daily pill and want a low‑cough profile, Aceon comparison often points to perindopril as a solid choice. However, cost, specific heart‑failure evidence, or intolerance may push you toward Lisinopril, Ramipril, or an ARB like Losartan. Always involve your healthcare provider to tailor the therapy to your medical history and insurance situation.
Tiffany Clarke
October 9, 2025 AT 17:09I read the comparison and felt a wave of dread. The endless tables remind me of how many pills I will swallow. The cost numbers sting like cheap jokes. The side effect list feels like a threat. It’s exhausting to even think about choosing one.