Drug Name

Coversyl (Perindopril)

Drug Uses

Coversyl is used for treating high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Coversyl as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• You may take Coversyl on an empty stomach or with food.
• Take Coversyl regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking Coversyl at the same times(s) each day will help you to remember to take it. Continue taking Coversyl even if you feel well.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Coversyl 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.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Coversyl and you are using it regularly, use it as soon as possible. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at the room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Coversyl if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Coversyl
• you are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy
• you have a history of giant hives or skin inflammation caused by ACE inhibitors
• you are taking or have taken dextran sulfate within the past 3 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Coversyl:

Some medical conditions may interact with Coversyl. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of giant hives or skin inflammation, or hardening of the skin or organs
• if you have bone marrow depression, blood vessel problems in the brain (including stroke), or severe immune system disease
• if you are undergoing dialysis
• if you have high blood potassium, low blood sodium, or are on a sodium-restricted diet
• if you have ischemic heart disease, liver or kidney problems (including transplant), or lupus, or you are dehydrated

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Coversyl. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Indomethacin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because the effectiveness of Coversyl may be decreased
• Clozapine, cyclosporine, dextran sulfate, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, simvastatin), indomethacin, mannitol, NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen), pergolide, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), potassium, potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, triamterene), thiazide-type diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), or trimethoprim because the actions and side effects of Coversyl and these medicines may be increased
• Iron, lithium, sulfonylureas (eg, glyburide), or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Coversyl may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Abnormal skin sensation;
• arm or leg pain;
• back pain;
• cough;
• depression;
• diarrhea;
• dizziness;
• drowsiness;
• headache;
• lightheadedness;
• nausea;
• runny nose;
• weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
• change in the amount of urine;
• chest pain;
• darkening of urine;
• difficulty swallowing;
• fainting;
• fast or irregular heartbeat;
• fever;
• hoarseness;
• pounding in the chest;
• prolonged nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• severe lightheadedness or fainting;
• sore throat;
• swelling of the hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, tongue, or trunk;
• unusual joint pain;
• unusual muscle pain, cramps, or weakness;
• unusual stomach pain;
• yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Coversyl , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Coversyl is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.