This article about Coversyl is one of a series of product reviews of medications used for treating high blood pressure, written from the patients point of view, in the belief that an informed patient is likely to feel more confident in a course of treatment if he/she understands better how it works and how best to use it. These reviews do not in any way attempt to replace the professional advice provided by your doctor and all decisions relating to your treatment must be taken on consultation with a professional. Coversyl s active ingredient is called Perindopril. It is medically known as an ACE inhibitor class of drug as it blocks the action of a compound present in the body called the “angiotension-converting enzyme.” ACE is part of the body s system for controlling blood pressure and works basically by forming a hormone known as angiotensin11 which causes blood vessels to narrow, hence increasing blood pressure. ACE inhibitors like perindopril prevent this function and hence allows the arteries to widen, allowing blood to flow more easily and therefore blood pressure to reduce. Helpful in heart problems? Coversyl may be used during emergency situations which carry the risk of heart failure. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart becomes incapable of pumping sufficient blood into the blood vessels. Consequently the body fails to receive the essential supply of oxygen and other nutrients carried by the blood, with potentially disastrous consequences. Coversyl s action in allowing the coronary arteries to dilate makes it easier for the heart to pump blood, and hence helps avoid this problem. Usage tips for patients Since this medicine has the ability to lower blood pressure it is possible that the patient may experience dizziness, particularly on first taking the medicine. Initially therefore it is often suggested that your early doses should be taken when you are able to lie down for a short while (for example at bedtime). It is important to avoid getting up too quickly after lying down as this may make your dizziness worse. Coversyl, in common with with other ACE inhibitors may cause the body to retain potassium and hence you should avoid taking salt substitutes which are likely to contain potassium as this could result in an undesirable increase in potassium levels in the blood. You should normally take this medication on an empty stomach, about one hour before meals, check this out with your doctor or pharmacist. ACE inhibitor drugs will not normally be prescribed for pregnant women, particularly during the second and third semesters due to posible advere effects on the kidneys and the potential for high potassium levels in the blood. The critical thing the patient can do here is to inform her doctor if she is, or is planning to be, pregnant Like most medicines, this medicine also can a few side-effects. It is likely that on starting the dosage you will feel headaches and dizziness. Patients have also complained of a dry cough and a few other problems like constipation, indigestion, diarrhea and abdominal pain. So, if you are expecting to take Coversyl, be sure you have gone through the list of side-effects associated with the usage of this medicine. Consult with your doctor if you do experience any persistent side effects, there are a number of alternatives and your doctor will be keen to adopt a regime that works best for you. Take this drug by prescription only. Tony Murphy is an avid researcher and reviewer of medications such as Coversyl and is the owner of a successful web site, http://www.reviewbloodpressure.com which provides free tips and information to help you become an “informed patient” and possibly locate discount supplies