Coversyl Arginine Plus

What is Coversyl Arginine Plus?

Coversyl Arginine Plus is used to treat high blood pressure in combination with Perindopril. The medicine lowers the blood pressure when a singular treatment has not worked to treat the condition.    

How does Coversyl Arginine Plus work?

Coversyl Arginine Plus combines two active ingredients, perindopril and indapamide, which are both used on their own to treat high blood pressure. Perindopril works by relaxing the blood vessels so that they are able to widen and allow blood to flow more freely. Known as an Ace inhibitor, perindopril halts the production of angiotensin II in the body, a chemical which narrows the blood vessels and causes the body to retain water. Both of these effects can heighten the blood pressure. Indapamide is a diuretic which increases the amount of salts which are filtered through the kidneys to leave the body through urine. The dose contained in Coversyl Arginine Plus helps the blood vessels to widen.

Active ingredients

The active ingredients contain within Coversyl Arginine Plus are perindopril Arginine and indapamide. 

Inactive ingredients

The other ingredients contained within the tablets are: lactose, magnesium stearate, maltodextrin, anhydrous colloidal silica, sodium starch glycolate. 

How do I take it?

Always follow your doctor's instructions on how to take Coversyl Arginine Plus. It's usually taken in the morning between half an hour to an hour before eating and one tablet should be taken each day. If you forget to take it, then just take your tablet as soon as you remember. If it's the next day then just skip the missed dose, don't double up and take two at once.

Dosage

The dosage prescribed will depend on a variety of factors such as the severity of your symptoms, age and medical history. You should always take the dose that your doctor has prescribed you. 

What should I do before taking Coversyl Arginine Plus?

Before taking Coversyl Arginine Plus it's advisable to be aware of the side effects and how the medicine might affect you. For instance it commonly causes dizziness so abstaining from driving and operating machinery may be necessary at first until you get used with the medicine. If you are having dental treatment or surgery then you'll need to inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Coversyl Arginine Plus as it may interfere with anesthetic. 

Coversyl side effects

Common side effects may include: 

• Dizziness 
• Headaches
• Pins and needles 
• Tinnitus
• Disturbed vision 
• Breathlessness 
• Stomach problems 
• Skin rash or itching
• Weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Altered taste

Less common side effects can include: 

• Insomnia 
• Drowsiness
• Mood changes 
• Increased sweating
• Dryness in the mouth
• Erectile dysfunction
• Interference with kidney function
• Hyperkalaemia (a heightened level of potassium in the blood)
• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
• Heart palpitations 
• Chest pain
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Muscle or joint pain
• Fainting

Rare side effects may include: 

• A disturbance of the blood cells. Signs of this are a fever, mouth ulcers, sore throat or feeling generally tired. 
• Pancreatitis 
• Jaundice (indicating decreased liver functioning)

Signs of an allergic reaction include: having trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling in the face, lips, throat, tongue, feet, ankles or hands. If any of these symptoms occur then seek immediate medical attention.   

Contraindications

Coversyl Arginine Plus is not suitable to take if any of the following apply to you:

• If you're allergic to any of the ingredients 
• If you've experienced an itchy rash, wheezing or swelling of the face or tongue after taking any other form of ACE inhibitor 
• If you are taking Aliskiren for diabetes or kidney failure
• If you have severe liver disease or a brain condition called hepatic encephalopathy 
• If you are receiving a dialysis treatment 
• If your blood is low in potassium 
• If there's a chance you may have heart failure
• If you are being treated for heart failure
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding 

Care should be taken if: 

• You have aortic stenosis, renal artery stenosis or heart muscle disease
• You have heart, liver or kidney problems 
• You have skin disease
• You have atherosclerosis
• You have an overactive parathyroid gland 
• You have gout or diabetes
• You are on a reduced salt diet
• You are elderly 
• You are already taking other medicines to treat high blood pressure

In these cases you should alert your doctor before you begin treatment.   

Drug interactions

Always inform your doctor if you are, or are planning to take additional medicines to ensure that the combination is safe. The following types of medicines may interact with Coversyl Arginine Plus: 

• Additional medicines to lower the blood pressure
• Amphotericin
• Corticosteroids 
• Carbenoxolone
• Beta-agonist bronchodilators
• Oestrogen- such as the combined pill
• Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen and indometacin
• Aliskiren or angiotensin II receptor antagonists
• Ciclosporin 
• Epoetin
• Drospirenone 
• Treatments containing potassium 
• Heparin
• Tacrolimus
• Trimethoprim
• Stimulant laxatives
• Lithium  

How to cope with Coversyl Arginine Plus side effects

Staying hydrated and eating regular meals will help to cope with headaches or sickness. A painkiller can be taken for headaches but if you experience diarrhea and vomiting then do not take any additional medicines for it unless your doctor has prescribed something. Take it easy if you feel dizzy after taking Coversyl Arginine Plus, sit or lie down until you feel better and take your time when standing up again. If you experience a dry cough, then speak to your doctor if it continues for more than a week. Cough medicines are not usually effective in this case but this side effect will usually disappear on its own.

Will Coversyl Arginine Plus affect my fertility?

Coversyl Arginine Plus has not been shown to affect either male or female fertility. However it should be avoided during pregnancy, in particular after the third month as it can cause harm to an unborn baby. 

Coversyl vs Perindopril

Perindopril can be prescribed on its own to treat high blood pressure. As an ACE inhibitor, it's a common type of medication used to manage the condition. The key difference between Perindopril and Coversyl is that Coversyl Arginine Plus contains two types of medicines which both work together to ease the blood pressure. This means the medicine has a stronger effect, making it a suitable option if you have already tried perindopril but it hasn't worked for you.

Coversyl vs other ACE inhibitors

Coversyl Arginine Plus differs from other ACE inhibitors as it's a combination medicine. It combines both an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic which work together to relax the blood vessels to allow the blood to flow more freely. This means that the medicine is stronger than a regular ACE inhibitor and is usually only prescribed after your first type of medication has not worked for you.

Alternatives to Coversyl Arginine Plus

Coversyl Arginine Plus is the only medicine available in the UK which contains both perindipril and indapamide. If you are being prescribed Coversyl Arginine Plus then it's likely that you need more than one type of medicine in order to control your blood pressure.

Can I stop taking Coversyl Arginine Plus if my blood pressure reduces?

Coversyl Arginine is designed to lower your blood pressure to a healthy level. If this happens then this means that the medication is working but that does not mean you should stop taking it. On the contrary, you should continue to take it to maintain your blood pressure otherwise it's likely to rise again.

Can I take Coversyl Arginine Plus before surgery?

If you are scheduled to have surgery then your doctor may ask you to stop taking Coversyl Arginine before your surgery. It's important that you inform them of any medications you are taking so that they can advise you accordingly.

Is Coversyl Arginine Plus addictive?

Coversyl Arginine Plus is not known to be addictive. 

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• Blood Pressure UK > ACE Inhibitors