Accupril (quinapril) is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Accupril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure.
Accupril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Accupril if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Quinapril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
If you have diabetes, do not use Accupril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Accupril if you are allergic to quinapril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril, captopril, fosinopril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, ramipril, or trandolapril.
If you have diabetes, do not use Accupril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking quinapril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure Accupril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
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liver disease;
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any history of circulation problems, heart disease, heart attack, or stroke;
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diabetes; or
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a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren"s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
FDA Pregnancy Category D. Do not use Accupril if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Accupril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Quinapril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Accupril?
Take Accupril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking Accupril.
Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often, and you may need frequent blood tests.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Accupril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Accupril even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Accupril, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Accupril.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Accupril side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Accupril: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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little or no urinating;
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sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms; or
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high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling).
Common Accupril side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
Accupril dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:
Initial dose: 5 mg orally twice a day
Maintenance dose: 10 to 20 mg orally twice a day
Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Nephropathy:
Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day in patients not on diuretics
Maintenance dose: 20 to 80 mg/day orally, given in 1 to 2 divided doses
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day in patients not on diuretics
Maintenance dose: 20 to 80 mg/day orally, given in 1 to 2 divided doses
Usual Adult Dose for Left Ventricular Dysfunction:
Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day in patients not on diuretics
Maintenance dose: 20 to 80 mg/day orally, given in 1 to 2 divided doses
What other drugs will affect Accupril?
Other drugs may interact with quinapril, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
