Indications 

Accupril is a prescribed medication for treating hypertension (high blood pressure), either alone or in combination with other thiazide diuretics. Regulating high blood pressure can prevent complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney issues. 

Accupril is also used as adjunctive therapy, along with conventional therapy, including diuretics and/or digitalis, for managing heart failure. 

Categorized as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, Accupril reduces chemicals that cause blood vessels to constrict, resulting in improved blood flow and more efficient heart function. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Accupril and each time you refill your prescription, carefully read its medication guide and patient information leaflet. If you have any inquiries or concerns, do not hesitate to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist. 

Accupril dosage is individualized based on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment. To minimize side effects, doctors usually initiate treatment at a low dose and gradually increase them, not more than once every 1 or 2 weeks. 

Typically, Accupril is taken once or twice a day, without regard to food intake. Take it regularly as prescribed, at the same time each day.  

Follow your physician’s instructions carefully, and do not increase or decrease the dosage or take it more often than directed. 

Do not discontinue Accupril intake without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often does not cause noticeable symptoms. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the possible side effects of Accupril. If any of them persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor. 

Common Side Effects 

• Headache 
• Cough 
• Dizziness 
• Fatigue 

 Serious Side Effects 

• Feeling lightheaded or faint, as though you may pass out 
• Rapid or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in the chest 
• Reduced or no urine output 
• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating 
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin) 
• Numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the hands or feet 
• Fever, chills, cold or flu-like symptoms 
• Signs of high potassium levels: 
  • Nausea 
  • Chest pain 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Muscle weakness 
• Signs of low sodium levels: 
  • Headaches 
  • Confusion 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Severe weakness 
  • Vomiting 
  • Loss of coordination 
  • Unsteadiness 

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the severe symptoms listed above. 

Allergic Reactions 

Rare but severe allergic reactions may occur while taking Accupril. Get emergency medical help if you observe the following: 

• Hives 
• Severe stomach pain 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Face, lips, tongue, or throat swelling 

The adverse effects of Accupril listed here are not comprehensive. If you experience any other effects not listed above, notify your doctor promptly. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Accupril, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies, especially to: 

• Quinapril 
• Other ACE inhibitors, such as benazepril 
• Any medications 
• Any ingredients present in Accupril tablets 

To ensure Accupril is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding any history of: 

• Any previous instances of an allergic reaction that resulted in swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema) 
• Blood filtration procedures, such as LDL apheresis or dialysis 
• Elevated potassium levels in the blood 
• Liver disease 

In black patients, the incidence of angioedema may be higher with ACE inhibitor monotherapy than non-blacks. ACE inhibitors have been shown to have a weaker effect on blood pressure in black patients than in non-blacks in controlled clinical trials. 

Many drugs may interact with Accupril. To prevent such drug interactions, inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. 

Some of the products that may interact with Accupril include: 

• Aliskiren 
• Gold injections 
• Lithium 
• Sacubitril 
• Certain drugs that weaken the immune system or increase the risk of infection: 
  • Everolimus 
  • Sirolimus 
• Drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood: 
  • ARBs, including losartan/valsartan 
  • Birth control pills containing drospirenone 

Be mindful to inform your pharmacist if you are using cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen, as they may contain ingredients that can increase your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Ask your pharmacist about how to use them safely. 

Accupril contains magnesium which can interfere with the absorption of certain drugs listed below, especially if taken at the same time. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how long to wait between doses and when to take your medications: 

• Quinolone antibiotics:   
  • Ciprofloxacin 
  • Levofloxacin 
• Tetracycline antibiotics: 
  • Doxycycline 
  • Minocycline 
• Thyroid medications: levothyroxine 
• Drugs for osteoporosis: bisphosphonates such as alendronate 

Ensure that all your healthcare providers are aware of the medications you are taking, especially if you are undergoing desensitization injections for bee or wasp sting allergy, as a severe reaction may occur when combined with quinapril. 

Before taking potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist, as Accupril may increase your potassium levels. 

If you experience persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating while taking Accupril, contact your doctor immediately. Dehydration is a possible side effect of the medication, which may result in low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, or kidney problems. 

Pregnant women should not take Accupril. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, immediately notify your doctor, as it may cause harm or even death to the unborn baby, particularly during the second and third trimesters. 

Breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before taking quinapril as it can pass into breast milk.