Information on Accupril and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

Go to page: 1 | 2

Accupril Consumer Information

ACCUPRIL

Generic Name: quinapril (KWIH na pril)

Brand Names: Accupril

What is the most important information I should know about quinapril?

  • Do not take quinapril if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, quinapril can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
  • Quinapril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking quinapril, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking quinapril.
  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Quinapril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
  • Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with quinapril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

What is quinapril?

  • Quinapril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).
  • Quinapril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat congestive heart failure.
  • Quinapril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take quinapril?

  • Quinapril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking quinapril, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking quinapril.
  • Before taking quinapril, tell your doctor if you
    • have kidney disease;
    • have liver disease;
    • are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood;
    • are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone); or
    • have diabetes.
  • You may not be able to take quinapril, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
  • Quinapril is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that quinapril is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, quinapril can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Do not take quinapril if you are pregnant.
  • Quinapril passes into breast milk, and its effects on a nursing infant are not known. Do not take quinapril without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take quinapril?

  • Take quinapril exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • Take each dose with a full glass of water.
  • Take quinapril on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
  • Do not stop taking quinapril without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this medication suddenly, your condition could become worse.
  • Store quinapril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Seek emergency medical attention.
  • Symptoms of a quinapril overdose include extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking quinapril?

  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, performing other hazardous activities. Quinapril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
  • Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking quinapril.
  • Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking quinapril except under the supervision of your doctor.
  • Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with quinapril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

Go to page: 1 | 2

Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.