Actual product may differ in appearance from image shown.
ACCUPRIL (QUINAPRIL)
Accupril Information
Accupril or generically known as Quinapril is an ACE inhibitor ( Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme). ACEs are drugs prescribed for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure and other heart ailments such as congestive heart failures.
Indications
Accupril is a medicine prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure, hypertension and in some cases of congestive heart failure. Accupril may also be used for other purposes other than the ones previously mentioned.
Accupril Warnings
Accupril and Pregnancy
Accupril belongs to the pregnancy category D which means that Accupril when taking by pregnant women may cause harm to the unborn baby. When taken during the second or on the last trimester of pregnancy, Accupril may cause injury or even death to the unborn. It is strongly recommended that Accupril should not be taken when pregnant or planning to become one.
Quinapril, the active ingredient in Accupril is known to pass into breast milk and effects on the nursing baby are not known. Consult your doctor if you are planning to breastfeed while taking Accupril.
Accupril and Allergies
Taking Accupril may hasten and worsen the effects of allergic reactions. Before starting your Accupril medication, inform your doctor if you have had allergic reactions to foods or drugs that involved swelling of lips, tongue and face, hives, closing of throat passage and difficulty in breathing.
Warn your doctor if you have any of the following conditions
- Kidney malfunctions and disorders
- Liver disease
- On a salt restricted diet or with high counts of potassium in the blood
- Salt substitute intake, ingestion of potassium supplements, intake of potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, triamterene or spironolactone.
- Diabetes
You may be advised to cease your Accupril treatment or significantly alter your dosage if you have any of the abovementioned conditions.
Use extra caution when driving or performing other activities that requires mental and physical alertness. Taking Accupril may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Be also extra careful when rising from a sitting or lying position as instant waves of dizziness may happen.
Accupril and Alcohol
Drinking of alcoholic beverages when taking Accupril may further lower blood pressure and in turn cause dizzy spells and drowsiness. Observe moderation when drinking alcoholic beverages and Accupril.
Never use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Accupril unless when you are under the direct supervision of a physician.
Always maintain proper fluid intake when drinking Accupril. You may be at risk of dehydration and other related side effects when taking Accupril if you have recently experienced heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and even fainting. The combined loss of fluid and Accupril medication may lead to dehydration and other ailments.
Accupril Intake Guidelines
Always take Accupril as directly instructed by your doctor. Each dose of Accupril should be taken with a full glass of water. It is best to take Accupril on an empty stomach. The best time to take Accupril is 1-2 hours before meals. It is also recommended that Accupril be taken on a regular basis to ensure the utmost benefit of the drug.
Abrupt termination of Accupril medication may worsen your initial condition. Cessation of Accupril intake must be under a doctor’s supervision.
Prior to Accupril medication, your doctor may perform initial tests, blood pressure checks, and other medical assessments to evaluate your condition first before drinking Accupril.
Accupril Dosage
The exact dosage of Accupril is determined by your physician. Always consult with your doctor for your exact dosage.
Accupril Overdose
If overdose is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. Signs of Accupril overdose may include dizziness, weakness, general body fatigue and fainting.
Accupril Missed Dose
Never take double doses for Accupril. When you happen to miss a dose, entirely skip the missed one and proceed with the next dose and return to your normal schedule of medication after that.
Accupril side Effects
The side effects of Accupril intake may vary. There may serious and less serious side effects of this medication depending on the susceptibility of the patient.
Among the serious side effects are:
- Allergic reactions characterized by hives, closing of throat, swelling of lips, tongue and face
- Little or no urine excretion
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain or angina
- Severe cases of dizziness
- Symptoms of infection such as soar throat or fever
If you experience the said effects, cease your Accupril intake immediately and consult your doctor.
Belonging to the less serious side effects are:
- Mild dizzy spells
- Fatigue
- Dry and throat irritating cough
- Headaches
- Muscle cramps and pains
- Rashes
- Anxiety and depression attacks
- Numb or tingling feeling of the arms, feet and legs
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach upsets
Ask your doctor’s advice when you experience any of the abovementioned side effects.
Accupril Drug Reactions
Accupril may have interactions with the composition of the following drugs:
- Potassium supplements
- Salt substitutes that contain potassium
- Diuretics or water pills such as triamterene, Maxzide, Spironolactone, amiloride, HCTZ, furosemide, bumetanide, indapamide and others.
- Lithium
- Tetracycline
Once you are taking any of the following drugs, inform your doctor immediately as he/she might lower dosage or stop your Accupril medication depending on his/her assessment. | 
