Why is Accupril / quinapril prescribed?

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. Quinapril 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.

How should Accupril be used?

Quinapril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. To help you remember to take quinapril, take it around the same time 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 quinapril 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 quinapril and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every one or two weeks.

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

Accupril Precautions

Before taking quinapril,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to quinapril, benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), ramipril (Altace), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other medications.
• 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: diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); potassium supplements; and tetracycline (Sumycin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease; lupus; scleroderma; diabetes; or angioedema, a condition that causes difficulty swallowing or breathing and painful swelling of the the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
• tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking quinapril.
• 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.

Quinapril 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. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, 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

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