From the Guidelines
Coversyl (Perindopril) is associated with common side effects including cough, dizziness, and headache, as well as less frequent but potentially serious side effects such as hyperkalemia and angioedema, as reported in various studies on ACE inhibitors 1.
Common Side Effects
- Cough: a dry, persistent cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors like perindopril, occurring in a significant proportion of patients 1.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness: these can occur, especially when standing up quickly, due to the medication's effect on blood pressure 1.
- Headache: headache is another common side effect, likely related to the changes in blood pressure and blood vessel tone caused by perindopril 1.
- Fatigue and weakness: some patients may experience fatigue or weakness, which could be related to the medication's effects on the body 1.
- Gastrointestinal issues: nausea, indigestion, or diarrhea can occur in some individuals taking perindopril 1.
Less Common but Serious Side Effects
- Hyperkalemia: elevated potassium levels in the blood can occur, especially in patients with kidney problems or those taking other medications that affect potassium levels 1.
- Angioedema: a rare but serious side effect, characterized by swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention 1.
- Skin rashes or itching: some patients may experience skin reactions, which can range from mild to severe 1.
Management and Monitoring
It is essential for patients taking Coversyl (Perindopril) to be monitored regularly for potential side effects, especially during the initial stages of treatment or when the dose is adjusted. Patients should be advised to report any symptoms promptly to their healthcare provider. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels is crucial to minimize the risk of adverse effects 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
ADVERSE REACTIONS Hypertension Perindopril erbumine tablets have been evaluated for safety in approximately 3,400 patients with hypertension in U.S. and foreign clinical trials. Perindopril erbumine tablets were in general well tolerated in the patient populations studied, the side effects were usually mild and transient. Although dizziness was reported more frequently in placebo patients (8. 5%) than in perindopril patients (8.2%), the incidence appeared to increase with an increase in perindopril dose.
Adverse events that occurred in 1% or greater of the patients and that were more common for perindopril than placebo by at least 1% (regardless of whether they were felt to be related to study drug) are shown in the first two columns below.
Table 2 Frequency of Adverse Events (%) All Adverse Events Possibly – or Probably – Related Adverse Events Perindopril n=789 Placebo n=223 Perindopril n=789 Placebo n=223 Cough 12.0 4.5 6.0 1.8 Back Pain 5.8 3.1 0.0 0.0 Sinusitis 5.2 3.6 0.6 0.0 Viral Infection 3.4 1.6 0.3 0.0 Upper Extremity Pain 2.8 1.4 0.2 0.0 Hypertonia 2.7 1.4 0.2 0.0 Dyspepsia 1.9 0.9 0.3 0.0 Fever 1.5 0.5 0.3 0.0 Proteinuria 1.5 0. 5 1.0 0.5 Ear Infection 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 Palpitation 1.1 0.0 0.9 0.0
The common side effects of Coversyl (Perindopril) include:
- Cough (12.0% of patients)
- Back Pain (5.8% of patients)
- Sinusitis (5.2% of patients)
- Viral Infection (3.4% of patients)
- Upper Extremity Pain (2.8% of patients)
- Hypertonia (2.7% of patients)
- Dyspepsia (1.9% of patients)
- Fever (1.5% of patients)
- Proteinuria (1.5% of patients)
- Ear Infection (1.3% of patients)
- Palpitation (1.1% of patients) 2
From the Research
Common Side Effects of Coversyl (Perindopril)
- Cough: The most common side effect of perindopril, reported in various studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Hypotension: Although rare, symptomatic hypotension has been reported in some cases 5
- Hyperkalemia: Perindopril may cause a slight and clinically not significant rise in kaliemia 5
- Renal function impairment: Perindopril has been shown to preserve glomerular filtration in patients with normal renal function, but rare cases of creatinine clearance reduction have been observed 5
- Other side effects: Headache, asthenia, mood and/or sleep disturbance, and dizziness have been reported in some studies 7