Indications 

Accuretic is a prescribed medication for treating hypertension (high blood pressure) alone or in combination with other medicines. 

Accuretic contains two medication that works together to regulate blood pressure: 

• Quinapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, works by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow 
• Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, works by increasing urine production, facilitating the elimination of excess salt and water from the body 

Controlling high blood pressure lowers the likelihood of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, including strokes and myocardial infarctions. 

Uses and Dosage 

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

Accuretic dosage is individualized based on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment.  

Typically, Accuretic is taken once daily in the morning as directed by a physician, regardless of food intake. Taking this medication close to bedtime may result in the need to wake up for urination, so it is advisable to take it at least 4 hours before bedtime. 

If you are on medications such as cholestyramine or colestipol to reduce cholesterol, ensure a gap of 4 to 6 hours before or after taking Accuretic. 

Take Accuretic regularly, exactly as prescribed, around the same time each day. Do not increase or decrease the dosage or take it more often than directed.  

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

Side Effects 

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

Common Side Effects 

• Cough 
• Headache 
• Dizziness 
• Fatigue 
• Muscle pain 

 Serious Side Effects 

• Feeling lightheaded, as though you may pass out 
• Blurred or tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights 
• Swelling, weight gain, and shortness of breath 
• Sudden weakness or illness, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, or difficulty swallowing 
• Indications of high potassium levels: 
  • Nausea 
  • Chest pain 
  • Tingling sensation 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Loss of movement 
• Indications of low potassium levels: 
  • Leg cramps 
  • Constipation 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Fluttering in the chest 
  • Increased thirst or urination 
  • Numbness or tingling 
  • Muscle weakness or limpness 
• Indications of low sodium levels: 
  • Headache 
  • Confusion 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Severe weakness 
  • Vomiting 
  • Loss of coordination 
  • Feeling unsteady 

Inform 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 

Severe skin reactions, which are more likely to occur in African-American individuals, may also happen. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as: 

• Fever 
• Sore throat 
• Burning eyes 
• Skin pain 
• A red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling 

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

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Accuretic, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any known allergies, especially to: 

• Quinapril 
• Hydrochlorothiazide 
• Other ACE inhibitors, such as captopril and lisinopril 
• Thiazides such as chlorothiazide 
• Any medications 
• Any ingredients present in Accuretic tablets 

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

• Allergic reactions that involved swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema) 
• Procedures involving blood filtering such as LDL apheresis or dialysis 
• Gout 
• Kidney problems 
• Liver disease 
• Dehydration 
• Untreated mineral imbalances such as high or low potassium 
• Lupus 
• Skin cancer 

Many drugs may interact with Accuretic. To mitigate drug interactions, tell 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 Accuretic include: 

• Aliskiren 
• Dofetilide 
• 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 

Ensure you 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. Seek guidance from your pharmacist on how to use them safely. 

Accuretic contains magnesium, which may hinder the absorption of specific medications listed below, especially when taken concurrently. Seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist on the appropriate interval between doses and when to take your medications: 

• Quinolone antibiotics (levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin) 
• Tetracycline antibiotics such as (minocycline and doxycycline) 
• Thyroid medications (levothyroxine) 
• Bisphosphonates such as alendronate) 

Concurrent use of Accuretic and bee/wasp sting allergy desensitization injections may cause a severe reaction. Inform all your healthcare providers about the medications you are taking. 

Before taking potassium supplements, or using salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist, as Accuretic can impact your potassium levels. 

If you experience persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual sweating while taking Accuretic, contact your doctor promptly. This medicaction can cause dehydration, resulting in severe complications like low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, or kidney failure. 

Prevent overheating or dehydration when exercising or in hot weather by maintaining adequate fluid intake. Adhere to your physician’s guidance regarding how much fluids to drink. In certain instances, overhydration can be as harmful as dehydration. 

Hydrochlorothiazide may heighten the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Minimize exposure to sunlight and tanning beds and wear protective clothing and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors. Regular skin check-ups may be recommended by your doctor. 

Accuretic can potentially disrupt the accuracy of certain laboratory tests, such as parathyroid function tests, resulting in incorrect test results. Inform your medical team and the laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication. 

During pregnancy, Accuretic should not be taken. Immediately inform your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medication, as it can harm the unborn child during the second or third trimester. 

Breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor before taking Accuretic for quinapril, and hydrochlorothiazide is excreted in human milk.