Uses

Quinapril (Accupril) is an ACEI (Angiotension Converting Enzyme Inhibitor). It decreases the body’s production of angiotension 2, a molecule which causes vasoconstriction and increases blood pressure. It a safe and well tolerated medication and is used to treat conditions such as heart failure and high blood pressure.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water, it will be slightly better absorbed if taken without food.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Do not self treat yourself for coughs, colds, diarrhea, or allergies while on this medication. Consult with your doctor before doing so in order to decrease the chance of side effects.

Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.

Avoid alcohol consumption, alcohol can increase chances of dizziness or drowsiness.

Stand and sit slowly when first starting this medication to avoid dizziness.

It is important not to stop taking this medication suddenly, without consulting with your doctor.

Notify your doctor if you notice changes in heartbeat.

Check your blood pressure and meet with your doctor regularly while on this medication.  It is important to keep a close eye on your blood sugar if you are a diabetic.

Inform your doctor if you are experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, or other causes of dehydration. Being dehydrated while taking this medication can have harmful effects.

Limiting your sodium intake to less than 1500mg/day, following the DASH diet, and maintaining a regular exercise schedule (see lifestyle tab) can drastically improve your blood pressure.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or may become pregnant while taking this medication. This medicine can have harmful effects on the unborn child.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Heart disease, blood vessel disease, immune system diseases such as lupus, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, history of swelling of the lips, face or tongue along with trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening throat, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, rashes, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, weakness, changes in the passage of urine, fever, sore throat, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, darkened urine, abdominal pain.

Other Side Effects

Cough, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, changes in libido.

Adult Dose

Hypertension

10-20 mg by mouth once daily. The dose is then adjusted according to the patient’s response at intervals of no less than 2 weeks. The usual maintenance dose is 20-80 mg by mouth daily given in 1-2 divided doses.

Heart Failure

5 mg by mouth twice daily as a starting dose. The dose can be titrated at intervals of no less than one week to a maintenance dose of 10-20 mg by mouth twice daily if tolerated in order to increase exercise duration.

Sources

1. Accupril (R) oral tablets, quinapril HCl oral tablets[package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer Inc. (per FDA); 2013.

2. Accupril (quinapril) [package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer; 2015.

3. Accupril (quinapril) [package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer; 2014.