Brand Name
Coversyl
Common Name
perindopril
In this drug factsheet:
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- constipation
- cough (dry, persistent)
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- feeling weak
- headache
- loss of taste
- metallic taste in mouth
- muscle cramps
- nausea
- unusual tiredness
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- signs of bleeding (e.g., bloody nose, blood in urine, coughing blood, cuts that won't stop bleeding)
- signs of low blood pressure (e.g., dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting)
- signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
- signs of too much potassium in the body (e.g., confusion, irregular heartbeat; nervousness; numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; weakness or heaviness of legs)
- skin rash, with or without itching, fever, or joint pain
- vision changes
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- fever and chills
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (i.e., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Angioedema: Although not common, angioedema (a serious allergic reaction that causes the area around the throat and tongue to swell) may occur with ACE inhibitors, including perindopril. If you experience swelling of the face, tongue, or glottis, stop taking perindopril at once and seek immediate medical attention. People who have had angioedema caused by other substances may be at increased risk of angioedema while taking an ACE inhibitor such as perindopril.
Diabetes: Perindopril may affect blood sugar control. People with diabetes should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may need to test your blood sugar more often when you first start taking this medication.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: Increases in blood levels of potassium may occur as a result of taking perindopril. This rarely causes problems, but your doctor will probably want to monitor your potassium levels regularly with blood tests.
Kidney function: Changes in kidney function have been seen in certain people. The use of diuretics (water pills) may further increase the risk of kidney problems for those already at risk for this. People with kidney disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver disease: People with liver disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low blood pressure: Occasionally, blood pressure drops too low after perindopril is taken. This usually happens after the first or second dose or when the dose is increased. It is more likely to occur for those who take water pills, have a salt-restricted diet, are on dialysis, are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting, or have been sweating excessively and not taking in enough fluids. If low blood pressure causes you to faint or feel lightheaded, contact your doctor.
Pregnancy: Perindopril must not be taken by pregnant women. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking perindopril, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of the use of perindopril by children have not been established. Its use by this age group is not recommended.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between perindopril and any of the following:
- antidiabetes medications (e.g., insulin, metformin, glyburide)
- cyclosporine
- diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
- gentamicin
- heparin
- lithium
- medications that lower blood pressure (e.g., beta-blockers, amitriptyline, anesthetics, haloperidol, olanzapine)
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., indomethacin, naproxen)
- other blood pressure medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (e.g., candesartan, losartan)
- potassium supplements
- salt substitutes containing potassium
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
