Accupril (Quinapril)

What is Accupril?

Accupril belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

What is Accupril used for?

Accupril is indicated for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. Reducing high blood pressure further helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. The medicine is also used to treat heart failure.

How does Accupril work?

Accupril works by easing up the blood vessels and causing them to widen so as to allow the blood to flow into the heart easily.

How to use Accupril

Take Accupril the way it was prescribed by the doctor. Do not consume it for more than the recommended duration or quantity.

Consume Accupril with only a full glass of water, on an empty stomach or with a very light meal. The medicine is usually taken once or twice daily, or as directed by the doctor. Take Accupril at the same time every day for best results. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet without being permitted by the doctor. Swallow it whole.

Accupril warnings and precautions

Do not take Accupril if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or to any other ACE inhibitors. Also, you are advised to not consume this drug if you have a certain allergic condition called angioedema.

Discuss with your doctor, before taking this medicine, if you have a medical history of kidney or liver disease, severe dehydration, collagen vascular disease like lupus, scleroderma; high blood levels of potassium, Marfan syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Do not take salt substitutes or potassium supplements along with this medication.

Use this medicine with caution if you are giving it to the elderly as they are more likely to be affected by it and develop muscle problems.

Do not get up or move about with a highly intense jump, jerk or make any kind of movement after you consume this medicine. Avoid intense exercise and heavy sweating. Drink a lot of water to replenish the lost body water.

Abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol as far as possible while you are under this medication. After consuming this medicine, do not undertake any task that requires attention or alertness.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take Accupril at all as it could harm an unborn or nursing child.

What do I do if I have missed a Accupril dose?

If you have missed an Accupril dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Accupril overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Accupril, contact your doctor.

Accupril interactions

Some medicines are known to interact when used in tandem with Accupril. You must tell your doctor if you are using medicines like azathioprine, lithium, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, celecoxib, indomethacin; trimethoprim-containing medications like sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim; potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene; gold injections, vaccinations for bees or wasp bites, quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, tetracycline medications like  Brodspec, Panamycin, Sumycin, Tetracap;  bisphosphonate drugs like risedronate etc.

Accupril side effects

Common side effects from Accupril like dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, light headedness, dry cough, blurred vision or back pain can be experienced by you in the early stages of taking the medicine. Inform your doctor immediately if any of these signs persist.

If you notice a change in the amount of urine or in color of the same, fever, chills and other flu symptoms with persistent sore throat, decreased sexual ability, fainting etc, discontinue Accupril. These are rare, but serious, side effects of Accupril.

Other Accupril side effects include rash, breathing troubles, itching, severe swelling in the face, mouth, tongue, throat or lips, hives etc.