WARNING

Taking Accupril (quinapril) carries certain risks, including:

• Low Blood Pressure: Can cause dizziness or fainting, especially when standing up quickly.
• Kidney Issues: May affect kidney function, requiring regular monitoring.
• Angioedema: Rare but serious swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat that can be life-threatening.
• High Potassium Levels: Risks include irregular heartbeat and muscle weakness.
• Cough: A persistent dry cough is common and can be bothersome.

Always consult your healthcare provider to understand the risks and benefits in your specific situation.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Accupril, which contains the active ingredient quinapril, is a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It belongs to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors. By blocking the action of an enzyme that causes blood vessels to constrict, Accupril helps relax blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and lowering blood pressure. This can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems. It also helps improve symptoms of heart failure by reducing the heart’s workload.

How should this medicine be used?

Accupril should be used exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Here are some general guidelines:

• Dosage: Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor. The dose may vary depending on your condition, age, and response to the medication.
• Administration: Take Accupril by mouth with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
• Timing: It’s important to take Accupril at the same time each day to help you remember. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose—do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Monitoring: Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your blood pressure and any potential side effects.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor, as dehydration can increase the risk of side effects.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products, as they may interact with Accupril.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about taking Accupril.

Other uses for this medicine

In addition to treating high blood pressure and heart failure, Accupril may also be prescribed for other conditions, such as:

• Diabetic Kidney Disease: It can help protect the kidneys in people with diabetes.
• Post-Heart Attack: Sometimes used to improve heart function and reduce symptoms after a heart attack.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Accupril:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies, especially to ACE inhibitors, as this could cause severe reactions.
• Kidney Function: Your doctor will monitor your kidney function, especially if you have existing kidney issues. Accupril can affect kidney function and electrolyte levels.
• Blood Pressure: Monitor your blood pressure regularly. Accupril can lower blood pressure, and in some cases, it might drop too low.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Accupril is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby. It can also pass into breast milk, so consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Other Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have conditions like liver disease, diabetes, or a history of angioedema (swelling of tissues).
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Be aware of signs of electrolyte imbalance, such as unusual tiredness, confusion, or muscle weakness. Accupril can affect potassium levels, so your doctor might advise you to avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes.
• Surgery: Inform any healthcare provider or dentist that you are taking Accupril before undergoing any procedures, as it can affect blood pressure.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them if you have any concerns or experience side effects.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Salt and Potassium Intake: Avoid excessive salt and potassium intake. Your doctor may recommend a low-salt diet and advise against using salt substitutes that contain potassium. High potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects.
• Hydration: Maintain adequate fluid intake to avoid dehydration, which can increase the risk of side effects like low blood pressure and kidney issues.
• Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption, as it can further lower blood pressure and increase the risk of side effects.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Timing: If you remember within a few hours of your missed dose, take it as soon as you can.
• Skipping a Dose: If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Contact Your Doctor: If you have any concerns or if missing a dose becomes a frequent issue, contact your healthcare provider for advice on how to manage missed doses.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Accupril (quinapril) can cause a range of side effects. While many people tolerate it well, here are some potential side effects:

Common Side Effects:

• Cough: A persistent, dry cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors like Accupril.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: This can occur, especially when standing up quickly, due to a drop in blood pressure.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
• Headache: Some people may experience headaches.

Serious Side Effects:

• Angioedema: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat that can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing. This is a rare but serious side effect and requires immediate medical attention.
• Kidney Issues: Symptoms might include changes in urine output, swelling in the legs or ankles, or unexplained weight gain. Your doctor will monitor kidney function while you’re on this medication.
• High Potassium Levels: Symptoms include irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, or confusion.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms may include rash, itching, or severe dizziness.

Less Common Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
• Rash: Skin rash or itching.
• Muscle Pain or Cramps: Sometimes related to changes in electrolyte levels.

If you experience any severe side effects or symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately. For less severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider to discuss whether the medication needs adjustment or if an alternative treatment might be appropriate.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Accupril:

• Storage:
  • Store Accupril at room temperature, typically between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
  • Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and protected from light and moisture.
  • Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal:
  • Do not flush Accupril down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless instructed to do so by a drug take-back program or your pharmacist.
  • If a take-back program is not available, you can dispose of Accupril in household trash by mixing it with an undesirable substance (like used coffee grounds or kitty litter) and placing it in a sealed plastic bag before throwing it away.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of Overdose:
  • Severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Actions:
  • Contact Emergency Services: If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
  • Poison Control: You can also call Poison Control for advice on what to do in case of an overdose.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your blood pressure, kidney function, and electrolytes while taking Accupril.
• Interaction with Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as they can interact with Accupril.
• Adherence: Take Accupril exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking it or adjust your dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Lifestyle Considerations: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to complement the effects of Accupril.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and reach out to them with any questions or concerns about your treatment.