About Accupril
The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Accupril.
Accupril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is used to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure. ACE inhibitors work by blocking the formation of a hormone called angiotensin II that acts on the smooth muscle in blood vessel walls to constrict the vessels and increase blood pressure. When the effects of this hormone are blocked, blood pressure is lowered.
Accupril may be prescribed once a day or in lower doses taken twice a day. Take the dose of Accupril with a glass of water, with or without food. The dosage of Accupril may have to be adjusted by your doctor. If a dose is missed, take the missed dose when you remember, but do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Blood pressure monitoring is required for patients taking Accupril. Do not stop taking Accupril unless directed by your doctor; hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms, but you may still need medication to keep your blood pressure under control and prevent cardiovascular damage.
Do not take Accupril with alcohol; alcohol increases the side effects of Accupril and further lowers blood pressure. Do not take Accupril if you are pregnant or if you are trying to get pregnant. Do not take potassium supplements unless directed by your doctor. Keep hydrated while on this medication to avoid kidney problems, dangerously low blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalnce.
Side effects of Accupril include cough, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and skin rash. More serious side effects that require medical attention may occur, such as fever, flu-like symptoms, light-headedness or fainting, easy bleeding and bruising, severe skin rash, changes in frequency and volume of urination, chest pain, jaundice, and swelling.
| Form: |
Tablet Taken Orally |
| Strength: |
5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg Tablets |
| Storage: |
Room temperature. Keep away from heat and moisture. |
| Contraindications: |
Patients allergic to any ACE inhibitor, including quinapril, patients who are pregnant, patients with liver and kidney disease. |
| Generic Name: |
Quinapril |
What is Quinapril?
Quinapril is the generic form of Accupril and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Quinapril.
