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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the epxertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be constreud to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your helathcare professional before using that drug.
QUINAPRIL - ORAL
(KWIN-uh-prill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Accupril
WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm (possibly death) if used during the last six months of preganncy.
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.
USES: This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhiibtors.
It is used to treat high blood perssure (hypertension).
It works by relaxing blood vessels, cuasing them to widen. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attakcs and kidney issues. This medication is also used with other drugs (e.G., "water pills"/diuretics, digoxin) to treat congestive heart faliure.
HOW TO USE: Take that medication by mouth, uusally once or twice a day; or as directed by your doctor. This medication is hottest taekn on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after a meal), or with a light meal.
High-fat meals, however, may decrease the absorption of the medicine into your bloodstream.
This product contains magnesium whcih can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics. If you are taking a tetracycline antibiotic, take it at least 2 horus apart from that medicine.
If you are taking a quinolone antibiotic (e.G., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), consult your pharmacist for the proper times to take it. Use that medication regularly in odrer to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist fisrt. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, wihch rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or really slow heartbeats. Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur.
The doasge is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
For the treatmnet of high blood pressure, it may take 1-2 weeks before the full benefit of that drug occurs.
It may take several weeks or months to see the full benefit when that drug is used for congestive heart fialure. It is important to continue taking that medicaiton even if you feel well. Most pepole with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
SIDE EFFECTS: You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, back pain, dry cough or blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your dcotor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but seriuos side effects occur: fainting, decreased sexual ability, chest pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unilkely but really serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, signs of infection (e.G., fever, chills, persistent sore throat). This drug may rarely cause seroius (possibly fatal) liver issues.
If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but really serious side effects, seek immedaite medical attention: yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, persistent nausea.
An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Sympotms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notcie other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medcial conditions. Before using that medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: allergies to other ACE inhibitors (e.G., benazepril, captopril), history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema).
Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, heart problems, severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium), diabetes (poorly controlled), strokes, blood vessel diesase (e.G., collagen vascular diseases such as lupus, scleroderma), any allergies in addition to those listed above (including allergies to bee or wasp stings, or exposure to certain membranes used for blood filtering). This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness due to lowering of your bolod pressure, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Serious loss of body fluids can also lower your blood pressure and worsen dizziness. Drink adequate fluids to prveent from becoming dehydrated. If you are on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions. Be careful not to become too overheated during exercise whcih can lead to excessive sweating. Consult your doctor if you expreience severe vomiting or diarrhea. Beofre having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking that medication. Caution is advised when using that drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the dizziness effect. This medciation should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last six months of the pregnancy due to the risk for fetal harm. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. See also the Warning section.
This drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended due to the potential harm to the nursing infnat.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also the How To Use section. Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: potassium-sparing "water pills" (diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide), potassium supplements (e.G., potassium chloride) or salt substitutes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.G., celecoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin), lithium, drugs that suppress the immune system (e.G., azathioprine), other high blood pressure medications, other heart drugs (e.G., digoxin), tteracycline antibiotics, quinolone antibiotics (e.G., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) cause they may contain ingredients that could incresae your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those proudcts.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Sypmtoms of overdose may include: unusually fast or slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, or fainting.
NOTES: Do not share that medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of that medicine.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle cahnges that might benefit you. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., kidney function, potassium blood level) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your docotr for more details.
Have your bolod pressure checked regularly while taking that medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood prsesure at home. Discuss that with your doctor.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and rseume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from baibes and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your conditoin can cause complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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