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GENERIC NAME: QUINAPRIL HCL
BRAND NAME(S): Accuretic
WARNING: When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the quinapril in this medication can cause injury and death to the fetus. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
USES: Quinapril HCl/hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
HOW TO USE: This medication is best taken on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after a meal), or with a light meal. High-fat meals, however, may decrease the absorption of the medicine into your bloodstream. Take it exactly as prescribed and try to take it at the same time each day. If you are taking a tetracycline antibiotic or a quinolone (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) antibiotic, take it at least 3 hours apart from this medicine. This product contains magnesium, which can interfere with absorption of these antibiotics. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop taking this medication unless directed to do so by your doctor. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, diarrhea, cough, increased urination, headache, and sun sensitivity may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: dizziness, lightheadedness. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: difficulty swallowing/ tightness in the throat, decrease in the amount of urine, unusual weakness, muscle pain or cramps, persistent sore throat or fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, chest pain, irregular pulse, seizures, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet. If you notice the following unlikely but serious side effect, stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention: fainting. This drug 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 of the eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, persistent nausea. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking quinapril/hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, captopril) or "sulfa" drugs (e.g., sulfamethoxazole); or if you have any other allergies. This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: severe kidney disease (anuria), history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat known as "angioedema" (especially after the use of ACE inhibitors). Tell your doctor your medical history especially of: kidney/liver/bone marrow/heart problems, autoimmune disease (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma), high or low blood levels of potassium (hyperkalemia, hypokalemia), high blood levels of calcium (hypercalcemia), stroke (cerebrovascular disease), pancreas problems (pancreatitis), trouble swallowing, diabetes, gout, sodium-restricted diet, high cholesterol, nerve problems (sympathectomy), scheduled medical/dental surgery or anesthesia. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages and avoid overheating because this may cause dizziness and lightheadedness. To avoid dizziness or lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Persistent diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating and decreased fluid intake can lead to dehydration and cause dizziness and lightheadedness due to low blood pressure. Contact your doctor if you are unable to drink fluids; have persistent diarrhea or vomiting; or have excessive sweating. This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct and/or artificial light. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy. This medication is not recommended for the last six months of pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. The quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide in this drug pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug is not recommended for use with cisapride, dofetilide. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: "water pills" (e.g., amiloride, furosemide, spironolactone, triamterene), other drugs used to treat high blood pressure, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen), certain diabetes medications (e.g., insulin, glyburide, glipizide), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), narcotics (e.g., codeine), muscle relaxants (e.g., tubocurarine), sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., norepinephrine), lithium, ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), trimethoprim-containing medications (e.g., sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim), tetracycline, cholestyramine, colestipol, digoxin, potassium supplements. 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 these products. Do not use potassium-containing salt substitutes while taking this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This drug can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., parathyroid). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: 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. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, or mental/mood changes.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while using this medication. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: 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.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada). | |
