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Overview
Accupril is one of a group of drugs that includes Vasotec and Capoten.
These medications are called ACE inhibitors because they affect an enzyme (angiotensin-converting enzyme) important in regulating blood pressure.
Accupril is often used to treat high blood pressure; it may also be prescribed in combination with other drugs to treat some types of heart failure.
Full prescribing information can be found at:
http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=1608
Check out Wikipedia for more user-friendly information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinapril
Side Effects and Interactions
ACE inhibitors, including Accupril, can reduce kidney function, particularly in people who already have kidney problems. Regular monitoring is essential.
People on Accupril may experience dizziness, fatigue, a dry persistent cough, nausea or headache.
Other side effects reported include chest pain, palpitations, back pain, drowsiness, constipation, hair loss, dry mouth and impotence.
In rare cases a serious blood disorder has developed. Report any symptoms to your physician promptly.
There are a number of compounds that can interact with Accupril.
In general it is important to avoid potassium supplements, including low-sodium salt substitutes.
Diuretics such as Dyazide, Aldactazide and Moduretic which preserve potassium can also cause dangerous elevations in potassium when taken with Accupril.
Other diuretics may also interact with Accupril. So might the psychiatric drug lithium.
Accupril should not be taken at the same time as tetracycline, since it can reduce absorption of the antibiotic.
Check with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure Accupril is safe in combination with any other drugs you take.
Special Precautions
The first few doses of Accupril you take may cause dizziness or fainting, especially for older people. Be especially careful standing up until your body adjusts.
When you start taking Accupril, be alert for a rare, but serious reaction.
Some people have experienced swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat which can make breathing difficult if not impossible. This requires immediate emergency treatment.
African-Americans may be somewhat more susceptible to this unusual adverse effect. They are also less likely to get the full expected response to Accupril.
If you are African-American, be sure to discuss benefits and risks with your physician.
Accupril should be avoided during pregnancy, especially second and third trimesters.
Taking the Medicine
Accupril should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.
Do not stop taking Accupril suddenly, as this could lead to complications.
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I have had problems with rising blood pressure since being switched to quinapril from accupril. Does anyone else have info on this?
Is it ok to eat grapefruit if I am taking quinapril?
Is it okay to eat grapefruit when taking quinapril?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: YES. NO INTERACTION HAS BEEN REPORTED, NOR IS ONE EXPECTED.
I have been taking quinapril by Teva mfg. co for years and have never had any adverse reactions and now I was just switched to quinapril by Lupin mfg. by the insurance co. without any prior notification. Does anyone know if there have been any reports of any significant differences or side effects from quinapril by Lupin mfg?
I am on Quinapril 10 mg per day. Do I need to restrict dietary sources of potassium ( eg, prune juice, orange juice, bananas,...)? Is there a percent of RDA that if my daily total stays below I will probably be ok? I recognize people will be different, their kidney function will be different---but I am looking for a ballpark estimate. Thanks.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: YOU ARE CORRECT THAT ACE INHIBITORS LIKE QUINAPRIL TEND TO INCREASE POTASSIUM, BUT IT IS UNUSUAL FOR NORMAL DIETS CONTAINING BANANAS OR ORANGE JUICE TO PUSH THIS TOO HIGH. AVOID POTASSIUM-BASED SALT SUBSTITUTES OR ANYTHING ENRICHED WITH POTASSIUM.
I have been on Quinapril (Greenstone Brand) for years but Prescription Solutions just moved me to the Lupin Brand and my blood pressure has skyrocketed. Has anyone else had this result??
Dear people's pharmacy;
I have been taking 20 mg. quinapril for quite a few years and for quite a few years, about every 4 to 6 weeks I get a dry constant cough that will last about 1 month or more, then leave for 4 to 6 weeks, and start the cycle all over again. I have asked the doctors but none can give me an answer. I feel quinapril could be the problem. need help or suggestions thanks
marie c.
Rich, I take 20 mg of Quinapril and it keeps my bp controlled. I would never eat a grapefruit or drink the juice either with any medication.
Marie, I take 20 mg of Quinapril, and the cough goes along with it. But the Quinapril is the best for me for bp, keeps it down like 120/72. Only thing I have found that works so good, I tried Maxide once and it did nothing so the doctor switched me back to Quinapril.
I have been taking 20 mg of quinapril for about a month. I find that I am exhausted. I have been sleeping (quite deeply) 3 or 4 hours in the afternoon and still sleeping a full 8 hours at night. I seem to have no energy or motivation. Could this be a side effect of the quinapril?
I am taking quinipril 20mg.
I have experienced the following side effects:
persistent cough day and night; sore breast; tiredness; itching; dizziness; light headedness; dry mouth; restless legs.
These symptoms also happened when I took lisinopril.
Question; are there any other ace inhibitors that I could take that don't have that same side effects? My doctor seems complacent about my complaints.