| Generic Name:
Quinapril
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| Drug Class:
ACE Inhibitors
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| Description |
Accupril® belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart
attacks and kidney problems.
Accupril® is also used with other drugs (e.g., "water pills"/diuretics, digoxin) to treat congestive heart failure.
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| Proper
Use |
Take Accupril® by mouth, usually once or twice a day; or as directed by your doctor. This medication is best taken on
an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal), or with a light meal. High-fat meals may decrease the absorption of
Accupril® into your bloodstream.
Accupril® contains magnesium which can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics. If you are taking a tetracycline
antibiotic, take it at least 2 hours apart from this medicine. If you are taking a quinolone antibiotic (e.g., ciprofloxacin,
levofloxacin), consult your pharmacist for the proper times to take it.
Use Accupril® regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.
Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Accupril® can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow
heartbeats. Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 1 to
2 weeks before the full benefit of Accupril® occurs or several weeks to months when used for congestive heart failure.
It is important to continue taking Accupril® even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
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| Side
Effects |
You may experience dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, back pain, dry cough or blurred vision as your body
adjusts to Accupril®. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, decreased sexual ability, chest pain.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine,
signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat).
Accupril® may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very
serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent
fatigue, persistent nausea.
A serious allergic reaction to Accupril® is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious
allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble
breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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| Precautions |
Before taking Accupril®, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ACE inhibitors (e.g., benazepril,
captopril); or if you have any other allergies (including allergies to bee or wasp stings, or exposure to certain membranes
used for blood filtering).
Accupril® should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or
pharmacist if you have: history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema).
Before using Accupril®, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease,
high blood levels of potassium, heart problems, severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium), diabetes
(poorly controlled), strokes, blood vessel disease (e.g., collagen vascular diseases such as lupus, scleroderma).
Accupril® may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit
alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and light-headedness due to lowering of your blood pressure, get up slowly when rising from a seated or
lying position. Serious loss of body fluids can also lower your blood pressure and worsen dizziness. Drink adequate fluids to
prevent from becoming dehydrated. If you are on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions.
Be careful not to become too overheated during exercise which can lead to excessive sweating. Consult your doctor if you
experience severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Accupril®.
Caution is advised when using Accupril® in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during
the last 6 months of pregnancy due to the risk for fetal harm. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. See also Warning
section.
Accupril® passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended due to the potential harm to the nursing infant. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
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| Drug
Interactions |
Before using Accupril®, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use,
especially of: drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., azathioprine), other heart drugs (e.g., digoxin), other high
blood pressure medications, lithium, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as celecoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin),
potassium supplements (e.g., potassium chloride) or salt substitutes, quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin),
tetracycline antibiotics, trimethoprim-containing medications (e.g., sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim), potassium-sparing
"water pills" (diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could
increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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| Overdose |
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If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the
US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
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| Missed
Dose |
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If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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| Storage |
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Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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| Disclaimer |
| The above
information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug. |
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