Coversyl Plus

The medication sold under the trade name Coversyl Plus, is a compound called perindopril, or perindopril arginine. It belongs to a class of drugs that function as ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, primarily prescribed for the treatment of essential hypertension. Typically made up of a combination of two ingredients, Coversyl Plus contains, apart from perindopril arginine, indapamide hemihydrate, which functions as a diuretic. ACE inhibitors function by reducing the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is responsible for the production of angiotensin II, a compound which causes constriction of blood vessels, resulting in high blood pressure. By reducing the production of angiotensin II the blood vessels are allowed to widen and relax, thereby, causing blood pressure to lessen.

Indapamide's role as a diuretic is also important in the achievement of the same aim. Diuretics work by reducing the amount of water in the body - primarily by increasing urine production. Diuretics target the kidneys, by increasing the amount of salts which are filtered out from the blood - to compensate for the increase in salts, the kidneys release more water than normal to achieve proportionate dilution. This in turn leads to reduced volumes of fluid in the body, which again causes blood pressure to drop.

Coversyl Medication

The combination of perindopril arginine and indapamide hemihydrate in the form of Coversyl Plus, is typically used when just perindopril is insufficient for the effective lowering of blood pressure, and a two pronged approach is needed. Perindopril arginine is used in the newer versions of this drug, which earlier used just perindopril, since the latest variant has a longer shelf life, but the same clinical effects. Coversyl Plus is generally prescribed for people with essential hypertension - where the symptoms have no significantly identifiable cause, and the condition is attributed more to environmental factors and heredity.

The combination dosage in the form of Coversyl Plus is generally prescribed after a patient has been using each drug as hypertension medication separately for a given period of time. Coversyl dosage is decided by a doctor depending on the individual's condition and the strength of the prescription may vary from person to person. It is typically available in three strengths, 4 mg and 5 mg, and 8 mg, each of which has varying proportions of the two constituent ingredients.

Coversyl Plus Side Effects

There are a number of side effects that have been reported with the use of Coversyl Plus, ranging from mild to severe. Typical side effects of Coversyl Plus include a dry, persistent cough, nausea, weakness, headaches, dizziness or feeling faint, stomach pain and flu-like symptoms. In most cases these are mild, and the person will suffer from a few symptoms, or not at all. However, in certain cases, if Coversyl Plus can also give rise to a number of serious side effects, which are as follows. Should you experience any of these, contact your doctor or emergency medical services immediately.

• Facial swelling - lips, mouth or throat.
• Arrhythmia ( irregular heartbeats)
• Muscle cramps
• Skin rashes or itchiness
• Yellowing of the skin or the eyes
• Purple spots or blisters on arms, face ears and neck - this is a possible symptom of a serious and rare condition called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, where the dermis and epidermis begin to separate. It can be fatal.

Coversyl Plus should be taken only under medical supervision, and in the dosage that is recommended. Inform your doctor about any other medication that you might be on, to avoid the possibility of additional complications. As in the case of all medication educate yourself about the possible side effects, and be vigilant about any unwanted symptoms.