Accupril
Quinapril
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Accupril
Accupril belongs to ACE (Angiotensin-converting Enzyme) inhibitor group of antihypertensive drug. Accupril lower peripheral vascular resistance (thus lower high blood pressure), but it does not increasing heart rate. It also prevents sodium and water retention by kidney.
Therapeutic Uses of the Product
Accupril is an antihypertensive drug used for treatment of lowering high blood pressure management of heart failure.
Direction of use of Accupril
Accupril is taken orally as a single daily dose. Accupril should be taken at least one hour before meal or 2 hours after meal.
If antibiotics like tetracycline or fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin) are taken concurrently with Accupril than they should be taken at least 3 hours apart. Accupril contain magnesium that can interfere with absorption of antibiotics.
Accupril has to be taken for prolonged period (may be life long) so if any doubt arises about use, opinion of doctor should be sought.
Dose of Accupril, if Missed
If dose of Accupril is missed it should be taken as soon as remembered. If it is nearing the next dose after missing one dose than it should be taken as usual, but do not take double dose to catch up (it may cause excessive lowering of blood pressure). If you miss more than one dose than health care provider or doctor should be consulted.
How to Store
Accupril should be stored at room temperature (i.e. 20-25 degree Centigrade or 68-77 degree Fahrenheit) in tightly closed container away from reach of children. Protect Accupril from sunlight, heat and moisture (do not store in bathroom or near it).
More Information About
Accupril can be used in high blood pressure patients who can not take beta-blocker group of antihypertensive drug. Consult your doctor if your symptoms of hypertension do not improve. Accupril should not be shared with anybody (should be used by the patient for whom it has been prescribed).
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Accupril
Accupril should not be used if you have any of the following:
- allergy to Accupril or any of its ingredients
- during second and third trimester of pregnancy
- if previous treatment with ACE inhibitors had side effects like swelling of face, tongue, throat or lips
If any of the above condition develop during treatment with Accupril doctor should be consulted immediately.
Some other important points to be noted:
- Accupril contains magnesium and before you starts taking the medicine make sure it contain magnesium
- Accupril causes excessive sunburn and during Accupril therapy sunbath should be avoided. Even if you have to go to out door make sure to wear protective clothing
- do not drive or do other risky works till you know how you react to Accupril
- do not use Accupril if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Accupril can cause death of fetus and pregnancy should be avoided during Accupril therapy. If there is any chance of pregnancy during Accupril therapy, consult your doctor immediately
- check your doctor for using salt supplement with potassium content
- Accupril can cause more side effects in blacks and it may not even work in blacks. If you are a black discuss with your doctor before taking Accupril for hypertension
- Accupril should not be used in children and if used one has to be extremely cautious as safety in children is not established
- tell your doctor about Accupril if you are taking surgical, medical or dental care
- vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and excessive sweating can cause fall in blood pressure and if any one of these develops, consult your doctor
Adverse Effects of Accupril
The following are the possible side effects of Accupril:
- cough, allergy to Accupril , chest pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, tiredness, difficulty in breathing or swallowing
Consult doctor if any of the following side effects develops:
- Severe allergic reaction, chest pain, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, infection, yellow skin or eyes, stomach ache, hoarseness of voice. Severe allergic reaction is manifested by skin rash, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue and infection is manifested by sore throat and/or fever.