What is the most important information I should know about Coversyl?

• Do not take Coversyl if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Coversyl can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
• Coversyl may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking Coversyl, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking Coversyl.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Coversyl may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with Coversyl. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

What is Coversyl?

• Coversyl is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).
• Coversyl is used to lower high blood pressure and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality or non-fatal heart attacks in certain patients.
• Coversyl may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take Coversyl?

• Coversyl may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking Coversyl, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking Coversyl.
• Before taking Coversyl, tell your doctor if you
  • have kidney disease;
  • have liver disease;
  • are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood;
  • are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone);
  • have diabetes;
  • have scleroderma or lupus; or
  • have any type of heart disease or have had a stroke.
• You may not be able to take Coversyl, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Coversyl is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Coversyl is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Coversyl can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus.Do not take Coversyl if you are pregnant.
• It is not known whether Coversyl passes into breast milk. Do not take Coversyl without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Coversyl?

• Take Coversyl exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Coversyl can be taken with or without food.
• Do not stop taking Coversyl without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this medication suddenly, your condition could become worse.
• Store Coversyl at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of an overdose of Coversyl may include extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking Coversyl?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Coversyl may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Coversyl.
• Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Coversyl except under the direction of your doctor.
• Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with Coversyl. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related adverse effects.

What are the possible side effects of Coversyl?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Coversyl and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • little or no urine;
  • chest pain;
  • an irregular heartbeat or changes in your heartbeat;
  • severe dizziness or fainting; or
  • signs of an infection including a sore throat or a fever.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Coversyl and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness;
  • fatigue;
  • dry, tickling cough;
  • weakness, numbness, or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs;
  • nausea or upset stomach;
  • taste disturbances; or
  • itching, rash, or increased sweating.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Coversyl?

• Before taking Coversyl, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
  • a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;
  • salt substitutes that contain potassium;
  • any of the diuretics (water pills) triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), spironolactone (Aldactone), or amiloride (Midamor);
  • any other diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, others), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), indapamide (Lozol), and others;
  • lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others);
  • digoxin (Lanoxin);
  • indomethacin (Indocin);
  • heparin; or
  • cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune).
• You may not be able to take Coversyl, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Coversyl or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.