IMPORTANT WARNING: Do not take quinapril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking quinapril, call your doctor immediately. Quinapril may harm the fetus.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Quinapril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat
high blood pressure. It is used in combination with other medications to treat
heart failure. Quinapril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten
the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood
more efficiently.
How should this medicine be used?
Quinapril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. To help you remember to take quinapril, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take quinapril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of quinapril and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every one or two weeks.
Quinapril controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure
them. Continue to take quinapril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
quinapril without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking quinapril,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to quinapril, benazepril
(Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril),
lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), ramipril
(Altace), trandolapril (Mavik), or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications,
vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure
to mention any of the following: diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith,
Lithobid); potassium supplements; and tetracycline (Sumycin). Your doctor may
need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side
effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease;
lupus; scleroderma; diabetes; or angioedema, a condition that causes difficulty
swallowing or breathing and painful swelling of the the face, throat, tongue,
lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
- tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist
that you are taking quinapril.
- you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and
sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness
and fainting.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If
your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions
carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Quinapril may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- excessive tiredness
- cough
- upset stomach
- vomiting
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles,
or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
- chest pain
- lightheadedness
- fainting
Quinapril may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report
to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting
program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your
medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- lightheadedness
- fainting
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to quinapril. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to quinapril.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions
you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- Accupril®
Brand names of combination products
- Accuretic® containing Quinapril Hydrochloride and Hydrochlorothiazide
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