Accupril : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More

Accupril (Quinapril)

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Do not take Accupril (Quinapril) if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Accupril, call your doctor immediately. Accupril may harm the fetus.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Accupril (Quinapril) is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Accupril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

How should this medicine be used?

Accupril (Quinapril) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. To help you remember to take Accupril, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Accupril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of Accupril and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 1 or 2 weeks.

Accupril controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Continue to take Accupril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Accupril without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Accupril,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Accupril; other ACE inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); any other medications; or any ingredients in Accupril tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking valsartan and sacubitril (Entresto) or if you have stopped taking it within the last 36 hours. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take Accupril, if you are also taking valsartan and sacubitril. Also, tell your doctor if you have diabetes and you are taking aliskiren (Tekturna, in Amturnide, Tekamlo, Tekturna HCT). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take Accupril if you have diabetes and you are also taking aliskiren.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin); diuretics (‘water pills’); lithium (Lithobid); potassium supplements; and tetracycline (Achromycin V, in Pylera). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have ever had swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs while taking Accupril. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take Accupril.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease; diabetes; lupus; or scleroderma (a condition in which extra tissue grows on the skin and some organs).
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Accupril.
  • you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Accupril may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • dizziness
  • excessive tiredness
  • cough
  • upset stomach
  • vomiting

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • hoarseness
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
  • chest pain
  • lightheadedness
  • fainting

Accupril may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

  • lightheadedness
  • fainting

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to Accupril. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to Accupril.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

  • Accupril®

Brand names of combination products

  • Accuretic® (containing Quinapril, Hydrochlorothiazide)
  • Quinaretic® (containing Quinapril, Hydrochlorothiazide)

Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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