Expert: William B. Jeffries, Ph.D. - 3/1/2008

Question
I am being switched from atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide(the numbers were great but side effects not tolerable-mood change & constant headache) to coversyl plus. What can I expect? Thank you.

Answer
Coversyl is a combination drug containing perindopril and indapamide.  Indapamide is a diuretic much like hydrochlorothiazide.  Indapamide is in a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors reduce the amount of a substance (angiotensin) in the blood that causes the vesseles to constrict.  There are few effects on the brain, unlike atenolol, and it is likely that the mood changes and headaches will go away.
What to expect:  both of these drugs are well tolerated in most patients.  Blood pressure can drop more that expected once therapy starts, leaving the patient with initial dizziness.  ACE inhibitors can cause cough in a small number of patients.  in RARE cases, swelling on the lips, tongue and throat may be experienced.  If this happens, it should be considered an emergency.