What is Coversam 8mg/5mg?

Coversam Tablets 8mg/5mg is a fixed-dose combination of Perindopril 8mg (ACE inhibitor) and Amlodipine 5mg (dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker). This dual-mechanism formulation is used for patients with hypertension whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on either agent alone, and for patients already stabilised on both components separately. It provides complementary mechanisms in a single convenient tablet. Prescription required. By Servier Pharma.

How Does Coversam Work?

Perindopril inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), preventing conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. This reduces vasoconstriction, lowers aldosterone secretion and decreases fluid retention — leading to lower blood pressure and reduced cardiac afterload. Amlodipine blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing arterial vasodilation and further blood pressure reduction. Together, their complementary pathways deliver greater and more sustained antihypertensive effect than monotherapy.

Uses of Coversam 8mg/5mg

Indicated for: essential hypertension in adult patients whose blood pressure is not controlled by monotherapy. Particularly suitable for patients needing combination therapy who benefit from simplified once-daily dosing. Consult your cardiologist or physician — prescription required.

Dosage & Administration

Adults: One tablet (8mg/5mg) once daily, preferably in the morning before or with food. Take at the same time each day. Do not crush or chew. Do not stop treatment abruptly. Dose adjustment may be needed in elderly patients or those with renal impairment — follow your doctor's guidance. See our anti-hypertensive collection for related combination tablets.

Side Effects

From Perindopril: persistent dry cough (ACE inhibitor class effect — most common reason for switching), hyperkalaemia, acute kidney injury (rare), angioedema (rare but serious — stop immediately). From Amlodipine: peripheral oedema (ankle swelling), headache, flushing, dizziness. Monitor blood pressure, renal function and electrolytes during therapy.

Precautions

Contraindicated: bilateral renal artery stenosis, history of angioedema with ACE inhibitor, pregnancy (all trimesters — teratogenic), concomitant use with aliskiren in diabetes. Caution with: diuretics (risk of first-dose hypotension), NSAIDs (reduce efficacy, nephrotoxic risk), potassium-sparing diuretics (hyperkalaemia risk). Hepatic impairment: amlodipine dose may need adjustment. This is a prescription-only medicine — always take under specialist supervision. Visit our general medicines collection for more options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Coversam 8mg/5mg used for?
A: It treats hypertension in adults who require combination therapy with both an ACE inhibitor (Perindopril) and a calcium channel blocker (Amlodipine) for adequate blood pressure control.

Q: Why is there a cough with Coversam?
A: Persistent dry cough is a well-known class effect of ACE inhibitors including Perindopril. If cough is troublesome, discuss switching to an ARB-based combination with your doctor.

Q: Can I take Coversam during pregnancy?
A: No. Perindopril (ACE inhibitor) is contraindicated in all trimesters of pregnancy due to foetal risk. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while on this medication.