Accupril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which restricts the body's production of natural vasoconstrictors - substances that raise the pressure in blood vessels. The drug then widens the blood vessels so that blood can flow more freely throughout the body, and the strain on the heart is lessened. It is safe enough to use for many adults, although some may still experience Accupril side effects.

One good thing about this drug is that it is non-addictive, so you don't have to worry about addiction being among Accupril side effects. Common and non-lethal side effects include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle tenderness and pain, and constipation. Hair loss or thinning, loss of taste, dryness of the mouth, and difficulties with getting and maintaining erection are among the less common side effects, but you may continue to take the medicine if you experience them.

Less common and more serious side effects include: swelling of the face or any part of the face, fainting within a few hours after taking the medicine, severe chest and abdominal pains, flaking or peeling of the skin, and blisters appearing in the lips, eyes, nose and genitals. If these occur, seek medical treatment immediately.

Taking more than the recommended dose of this medicine increases your chances of suffering its side effects. In other words, do not take this medicine along with other ACE inhibitors (i.e. Vasotec, Capoten, Lotensin, etc); it will count as a double dose. If you have missed a dose of Accupril, do not take a double dose to make up for it. Simply take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for the next dose, just take the next dose and continue taking the medication according to your original schedule.

If you have exhibited signs of being allergic to any other ACE inhibitor in the past, chances are you will be allergic to Accupril as well. Avoid taking this medicine if so. But if you have already started taking this drug and you have begun to exhibit allergic reactions, you should stop taking the medicine immediately, and seek medical treatment if it is required. Symptoms of Accupril allergy include: swelling of the lips, tongue, or any part of the face, rashes, itchiness, muscle pain or tenderness or joint pain, and shortness of breath.

There is a possibility that Accupril passes through the mother's blood and breastmilk, therefore it is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women.

A very important thing to remember is that this medicine reacts with other drugs, so you must be careful about the substances you take with it. Besides other ACE inhibitors, other kinds of medicine that you should avoid taking with Accupril are: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, potassium supplements, diuretics or water tablets, lithium or anti-depressants, and tetracycline antibiotics.

You should not take Accupril if your family has a history of hands, feet and face swelling for no reason. Neither should you take it if you have kidney problems or renal artery stenosis, or if you are undergoing dialysis for blood filtration. Any of these conditions may trigger an allergic reaction. Consult your doctor if it is safe to take this medicine if you have an existing condition that may complicate Accupril side effects.