Drug Name

Accupril (Quinapril)

Drug Uses

Accupril is used for lowering high blood pressure and managing heart failure.

How to use

Use Accupril as directed by your doctor.

• Take Accupril by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating, or with a light meal. High-fat meals, however, may decrease the absorption of the medicine into your bloodstream.
• If you are taking a tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline) or fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin), take it at least 3 hours apart from Accupril . This product contains magnesium, which can interfere with absorption of these antibiotics.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Accupril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ACE is involved in certain chemical reactions that constrict (narrow) blood vessels and cause sodium and fluid retention by the kidney.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store Accupril at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Accupril out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Accupril if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Accupril;
• you you are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy;
• you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue) caused by treatment with an ACE inhibitor.

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Accupril has magnesium in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has magnesium in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Accupril may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Accupril . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
• Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may lead to a fall in blood pressure. Contact your health care provider at once if any of these occur.
• Accupril may not work as well in black patients. They may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Accupril before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Lab tests, including electrolyte levels, may be performed while you use Accupril . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Accupril should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Accupril if you are pregnant. It has been shown to cause death to the fetus and newborn. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Accupril is found in the breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Accupril, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• chest pain; coughing; diarrhea; difficulty breathing; dizziness; headache; lightheadedness; nausea; persistent, dry cough; tiredness; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; difficulty swallowing or breathing; fainting; hoarseness; infection (sore throat, fever); irregular or slow heartbeat; shortness of breath; unusual stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Accupril is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.