Generic Coversyl

Chemical Name: PERINDOPRIL

Common uses

This medicine is an ace inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Warning: this drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking beta-blockers (such as propranolol), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), salicylates (such as aspirin), phenothiazines (such as thioridazine or chlorpromazine), "water pills" (such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, spironolactone, or triamterene), certain medicines for diabetes (such as glyburide, glipizide or tolbutamide), pergolide, clozapine, indomethacin, lithium, potassium, azathioprine, gentamicin, or trimethoprim. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including a history of any unusual swelling of your face, neck, or trunk; dehydration; heart problems; blood vessel problems (such as aortic stenosis or stroke); kidney problems; hemodialysis; liver problems; electrolyte problems; a salt-restricted diet; lupus or scleroderma; diabetes; blood or bone marrow problems; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of unusual swelling of your face, neck, throat, tongue, lips, or trunk (angioedema) after taking this or any other ACE inhibitor medicine. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store this medicine at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember.

Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to other ace inhibitors, or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. It may take several weeks for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver function, kidney function, blood pressure, blood counts, and blood electrolytes may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine.

Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when you begin taking this medicine. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand slowly. Drink plenty of fluids during exercise or other activities where excessive sweating may occur.

If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. This medicine may lower your resistance to infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. Do not use a salt substitute or other potassium supplement without checking with your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially dizziness and rash.

For women: use of this medicine during pregnancy has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, weakness, and cough. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience severe lightheadedness or fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; prolonged nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; a change in the amount of your urine; unusual joint pain; or unusual muscle pain, cramps, or weakness.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience swelling of hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, tongue, or trunk; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; chest pain; unusual stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes; darkening of your urine; sore throat; or fever. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If you will be taking this medicine for an extended period of time, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.