Accupril

Generic name: quinapril [ KWIN-a-pril ]
Drug class: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jan 24, 2023.

What is Accupril?

Accupril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.

Accupril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Accupril is also used together with other medications to treat heart failure.

Warnings

Do not use Accupril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away.

You should not use quinaprilif you have ever had angioedema. Do not take Accupril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril(such as Entresto).

If you have diabetes, do not use Accupril together with any medication that contains aliskiren, a blood pressure medicine (brand names include Tekturna and Tekamlo).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Accupril if you are allergic to quinapril, or if:

• you have a history of angioedema;

• you recently took a heart medicine called sacubitril; or

• if you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, ramipril, or trandolapril.

Do not take Accupril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto).

If you have diabetes, do not use Accupril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (such as Tekturna or Tekamlo).

You may also need to avoid taking quinapril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

To make sure Accupril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• liver disease;

• a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren''s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis;

• heart disease or congestive heart failure (unless you are taking quinapril for this condition); or

• if you are on a low-salt diet.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Quinapril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using quinapril. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Accupril is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Accupril?

Take Accupril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Accupril. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Accupril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 10 or 20 mg orally once a day in patients not on diuretics
Maintenance dose: 20 to 80 mg orally per day, administered as a single dose or in two equally divided doses

Use:
-Treatment of hypertension

Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally twice a day
Maintenance dose: 20 to 40 mg orally per day administered in two equally divided doses

Comments:
-This dose may improve symptoms of heart failure, but increases in exercise duration have generally required higher doses.
-If the initial dosage is well tolerated, patients should then be titrated at weekly intervals until an effective dose.

Use:
-Management of heart failure as adjunctive therapy when added to conventional therapy including diuretics and/or digitalis

Usual Geriatric Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

10 mg orally once a day

Comments: Dose should be titrated the same way as for other adult patients.

Uses:
-Treatment of hypertension
-Management of heart failure as adjunctive therapy when added to conventional therapy including diuretics and/or digitalis

Usual Geriatric Dose for Hypertension:

10 mg orally once a day

Comments: Dose should be titrated the same way as for other adult patients.

Uses:
-Treatment of hypertension
-Management of heart failure as adjunctive therapy when added to conventional therapy including diuretics and/or digitalis

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of quinapril.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Accupril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Accupril side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Accupril: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;

• little or no urination;

• pain or burning when you urinate;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;

• fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms;

• high potassium - nausea, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or

• low sodium - headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.

Common Accupril side effects may include:

• headache;

• cough; or

• dizziness, tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Accupril?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• lithium;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• gold injections to treat arthritis; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with quinapril, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Accupril only for the indication prescribed.

Frequently asked questions

• Do ACE inhibitors make COVID-19 worse?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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