Coversyl Plus Mechanism of Action

Pharmacotherapeutic group: perindopril and diuretics. ATC code: C09BA04.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Coversyl Plus 5mg/1.25mg and 10mg/2.5mg is a combination of perindopril arginine salt, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, and indapamide, a chlorosulphamoyl diuretic. Its pharmacological properties are derived from those of each of the components taken separately, in addition to those due to the additive synergic action of the two products when combined.
Mechanism of action: Linked to Coversyl Plus 5mg/1.25mg: Coversyl Plus 5mg/1.25mg produces an additive synergy of the antihypertensive effects of the two components.
Linked to perindopril: Perindopril is an inhibitor of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE inhibitor) which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a vasoconstricting substance; in addition the enzyme stimulates the secretion of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex and stimulates the degradation of bradykinin, a vasodilatory substance, into inactive heptapeptides.
This results in: a reduction in aldosterone secretion; an increase in plasma renin activity, since aldosterone no longer exercises negative feedback; a reduction in total peripheral resistance with a preferential action on the vascular bed in muscle and the kidney, with no accompanying salt and water retention or reflex tachycardia, with chronic treatment.
The antihypertensive action of perindopril also occurs in patients with low or normal renin concentrations.
Perindopril acts through its active metabolite, perindoprilat. The other metabolites are inactive.
Perindopril reduces the work of the heart: by a vasodilatory effect on veins, probably caused by changes in the metabolism of prostaglandins: reduction in pre-load; by reduction of the total peripheral resistance: reduction in afterload.
Studies carried out on patients with cardiac insufficiency have shown: a reduction in left and right ventricular filling pressures; a reduction in total peripheral vascular resistance; an increase in cardiac output and an improvement in the cardiac index; an increase in regional blood flow in muscle.
Exercise test results also showed improvement.
Linked to indapamide: Indapamide is a sulphonamide derivative with an indole ring, pharmacologically related to the thiazide group of diuretics. Indapamide inhibits the reabsorption of sodium in the cortical dilution segment. It increases the urinary excretion of sodium and chlorides and, to a lesser extent, the excretion of potassium and magnesium, thereby increasing urine output and having an antihypertensive action.
Pharmacodynamic effects: Linked to Coversyl Plus 5mg/1.25mg: In hypertensive patients regardless of age, Coversyl Plus 5mg/1.25mg exerts a dose-dependent antihypertensive effect on diastolic and systolic arterial pressure whilst supine or standing. This antihypertensive effect lasts for 24 hours. The reduction in blood pressure is obtained in less than one month without tachyphylaxis; stopping treatment has no rebound effect. During clinical trials, the concomitant administration of perindopril and indapamide produced antihypertensive effects of a synergic nature in relation to each of the products administered alone.
PICXEL, a multicenter, randomised, double blind active controlled study has assessed on echocardiography the effect of perindopril/indapamide combination on LVH versus enalapril monotherapy.
In PICXEL, hypertensive patients with LVH (defined as left ventricular mass index (LVMI) > 120 g/m² in male and > 100 g/m² in female) were randomised either to perindopril tert-butylamine 2 mg (equivalent to 2.5 mg perindopril arginine)/indapamide 0.625 mg or to enalapril 10 mg once a day for a one-year treatment. The dose was adapted according to blood pressure control, up to perindopril tert-butylamine 8 mg (equivalent to 10 mg perindopril arginine) and indapamide 2.5 mg or enalapril 40 mg once a day. Only 34% of the subjects remained treated with perindopril tert-butylamine 2 mg (equivalent to 2.5 mg perindopril arginine)/indapamide 0.625mg (versus 20% with Enalapril 10mg).
At the end of treatment, LVMI had decreased significantly more in the perindopril/indapamide group (-10.1 g/m²) than in the enalapril group (-1.1 g/m²) in the all randomised patients population. The between group difference in LVMI change was -8.3 (95% CI (-11.5,-5.0), p < 0.0001).
A better effect on LVMI was reached with higher perindopril/indapamide doses than those licensed for Coversyl Plus 2.5mg/0.625mg and Coversyl Plus 5mg/1.25mg.
Regarding blood pressure, the estimated mean between-group differences in the randomised population were -5.8 mmHg (95% CI (-7.9, -3.7), p < 0.0001) for systolic blood pressure and -2.3 mmHg (95% CI (-3.6,-0.9), p = 0.0004) for diastolic blood pressure respectively, in favour of the perindopril/indapamide group.
Linked to Coversyl Plus 10mg/2.5mg: In hypertensive patients regardless of age, Coversyl Plus 10mg/2.5mg exerts a dose-dependent antihypertensive effect on diastolic and systolic arterial pressure whilst supine or standing.
PICXEL, a multicenter, randomised, double blind active controlled study has assessed on echocardiography the effect of perindopril/indapamide combination on LVH versus enalapril monotherapy.
In PICXEL, hypertensive patients with LVH (defined as left ventricular mass index (LVMI) > 120 g/m² in male and > 100 g/m² in female) were randomised either to perindopril tert-butylamine 2 mg (equivalent to 2.5 mg perindopril arginine)/indapamide 0.625 mg or to enalapril 10 mg once a day for a one-year treatment. The dose was adapted according to blood pressure control, up to perindopril tert-butylamine 8 mg (equivalent to 10 mg perindopril arginine)and indapamide 2.5 mg or enalapril 40 mg once a day. Only 34% of the subjects remained treated with perindopril tert-butylamine 2mg (equivalent to 2.5 mg perindopril arginine)/indapamide 0.625mg (versus 20% with Enalapril 10mg).
At the end of treatment, LVMI had decreased significantly more in the perindopril/indapamide group (-10.1 g/m²) than in the enalapril group (-1.1 g/m²) in the all randomised patients population. The between group difference in LVMI change was -8.3 (95% CI (-11.5,-5.0), p < 0.0001).
A better effect on LVMI was reached with perindopril 8 mg (equivalent to 10 mg perindopril arginine)/indapamide 2.5 mg dose.
Regarding blood pressure, the estimated mean between-group differences in the randomised population were -5.8 mmHg (95% CI (-7.9, -3.7), p < 0.0001) for systolic blood pressure and -2.3 mmHg (95% CI (-3.6,-0.9), p = 0.0004) for diastolic blood pressure respectively, in favour of the perindopril/indapamide group.
Linked to perindopril: Perindopril is active in all grades of hypertension: mild to moderate or severe. A reduction in systolic and diastolic arterial pressure is observed in the lying and standing position.
The antihypertensive activity after a single dose is maximal at between 4 and 6 hours and is maintained over 24 hours.
There is a high degree of residual blocking of angiotensin converting enzyme at 24 hours, approximately 80%.
In patients who respond, normalised blood pressure is reached after one month and is maintained without tachyphylaxis.
Withdrawal of treatment has no rebound effect on hypertension.
Perindopril has vasodilatory properties and restores elasticity of the main arterial trunks, corrects histomorphometric changes in resistance arteries and produces a reduction in left ventricular hypertrophy. If necessary, the addition of a thiazide diuretic leads to an additive synergy.
The combination of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor with a thiazide diuretic decreases the hypokalaemia risk associated with the diuretic alone.
Linked to indapamide: Indapamide, as monotherapy, has an antihypertensive effect which lasts for 24 hours. This effect occurs at doses at which the diuretic properties are minimal.
Its antihypertensive action is proportional to an improvement in arterial compliance and a reduction in total and arteriolar peripheral vascular resistance.
Indapamide reduces left ventricular hypertrophy.
When a dose of thiazide diuretic and thiazide-related diuretics is exceeded, the antihypertensive effect reaches a plateau, whereas the adverse effects continue to increase. If the treatment is ineffective, the dose should not be increased.
Furthermore, it has been shown that in the short-term, mid-term and long-term in hypertensive patients, indapamide: has no effect on lipid metabolism: triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol; has no effect on carbohydrate metabolism, even in diabetic hypertensive patients.
Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) clinical trial data: Two large randomised, controlled trials (ONTARGET (ONgoing Telmisartan Alone and in combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial) and VA NEPHRON-D (The Veterans Affairs Nephropathy in Diabetes)) have examined the use of combination of an ACE-inhibitor with an angiotensin II receptor blocker.
ONTARGET was a study conducted in patients with a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by evidence of end-organ damage. VA NEPHRON-D was a study in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy.
These studies have shown no significant beneficial effect on renal and/or cardiovascular outcomes and mortality, while an increased risk of hyperkalaemia, acute kidney injury and/or hypotension as compared to monotherapy was observed.
Given their similar pharmacodynamic properties, these results are also relevant for other ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers.
ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers should therefore not be used concomitantly in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
ALTITUDE (Aliskiren Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Using Cardiovascular and Renal Disease Endpoints) was a study designed to test the benefit of adding aliskiren to a standard therapy of an ACE-inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, or both. The study was terminated early because of an increased risk of adverse outcomes. CV death and stroke were both numerically more frequent in the aliskiren group than in the placebo group and adverse events and serious adverse events of interest (hyperkalaemia, hypotension and renal dysfunction) were more frequently reported in the aliskiren group than in the placebo group.
Paediatric use: No data are available with Coversyl Plus in children.
Pharmacokinetics: Linked to Coversyl Plus 5mg/1.25 mg and 10mg/2.5mg: The co-administration of perindopril and indapamide does not change their pharmacokinetic properties by comparison to separate administration.
Linked to perindopril: Absorption and bioavailability: After oral administration, the absorption of perindopril is rapid and the peak concentration is achieved within 1 hour. The plasma half-life of perindopril is equal to 1 hour.
As ingestion of food decreases conversion to perindoprilat, hence bioavailability, perindopril arginine should be administered orally in a single daily dose in the morning before a meal.
Distribution: The volume of distribution is approximately 0.2 l/kg for unbound perindoprilat. Protein binding of perindoprilat to plasma proteins is 20%, principally to angiotensin converting enzyme, but is concentration-dependent.
Biotransformation: Perindopril is a prodrug. Twenty seven percent of the administered perindopril dose reaches the bloodstream as the active metabolite perindoprilat. In addition to active perindoprilat, perindopril yields five metabolites, all inactive. The peak plasma concentration of perindoprilat is achieved within 3 to 4 hours.
Elimination: Perindoprilat is eliminated in the urine and the terminal half-life of the unbound fraction is approximately 17 hours, resulting in steady-state within 4 days.
5 mg/1.25 mg Tablet: Elimination of perindoprilat is decreased in the elderly, and also in patients with heart or renal failure.
Linearity/non-linearity: It has been demonstrated a linear relationship between the dose of perindopril and its plasma exposure.
Special populations: Elderly: Elimination of perindoprilat is decreased in the elderly, and also in patients with heart or renal failure.
Renal impairment: Dosage adjustment in renal insufficiency is desirable depending on the degree of impairment (creatinine clearance).
In case of dialysis: Dialysis clearance of perindoprilat is equal to 70 ml/min.
Cirrhosis: Perindopril kinetics are modified in patients with cirrhosis: hepatic clearance of the parent molecule is reduced by half. However, the quantity of perindoprilat formed is not reduced and therefore no dosage adjustment is required (see Dosage & Administration and Precautions).
Linked to indapamide: Absorption: Indapamide is rapidly and completely absorbed from the digestive tract.
The peak plasma level is reached in humans approximately one hour after oral administration of the product.
Distribution: Plasma protein binding is 79 %.
Biotransformation and Elimination: The elimination half-life is between 14 and 24 hours (average 18 hours). Repeated administration does not produce accumulation. Elimination is mainly in the urine (70 % of the dose) and faeces (22 %) in the form of inactive metabolites.
Special populations: Renal impairment: The pharmacokinetics are unchanged in patients with renal insufficiency.
Toxicology: Preclinical safety data: 5 mg/1.25 mg Tablet: Coversyl Plus 5mg/1.25mg has slightly increased toxicity than that of its components. Renal manifestations do not seem to be potentiated in the rat. However, the combination produces gastro-intestinal toxicity in the dog and the toxic effects on the mother seem to be increased in the rat (compared to perindopril).
Nonetheless, these adverse effects are shown at dose levels corresponding to a very marked safety margin by comparison to the therapeutic doses used.
Preclinical studies performed separately with perindopril and indapamide did not show genotoxic or carcinogenic potential. Reproduction toxicology studies showed no embryotoxicity or teratogenicity and fertility was not impaired.
10 mg/2.5 mg Tablet: Perindopril/indapamide combination has slightly increased toxicity than that of its components. Renal manifestations do not seem to be potentiated in the rat. However, the combination produces gastro-intestinal toxicity in the dog and a maternotoxicity in the rat without any teratogenic effect. Nonetheless, these adverse effects are shown at dose levels corresponding to a very marked safety margin by comparison to the therapeutic doses used.
Related to perindopril: In the chronic oral toxicity studies (rats and monkeys), the target organ is the kidney, with reversible damage.
No mutagenicity has been observed in in vitro or in vivo studies.
Reproduction toxicology studies (rats, mice, rabbits and monkeys) showed no sign of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity. However, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, as a class, have been shown to induce adverse effects on late foetal development, resulting in foetal death and congenital effects in rodents and rabbits: renal lesions and an increase in peri- and postnatal mortality have been observed. Fertility was not impaired either in male or in female rats.
No carcinogenicity has been observed in long term studies in rats and mice.
Related to indapamide: The highest doses administered orally to different animal species (40 to 8000 times the therapeutic dose) have shown an exacerbation of the diuretic properties of indapamide. The major symptoms of poisoning during acute toxicity studies with indapamide administered intravenously or intraperitoneally were related to the pharmacological action of indapamide, i.e. bradypnoea and peripheral vasodilation.
Reproduction toxicology studies showed no embryotoxicity or teratogenicity and fertility was not impaired.
Indapamide has been tested negative concerning mutagenic and carcinogenic properties.