Accupril (Quinapril)

Description

Accupril is classified as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor; it is a prescription medication. Accupril is used to treat high blood pressure, and it can be taken with other medications to treat heart failure.

Accupril is available in oral tablets of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.

Quinapril is the Accupril generic.

Directions

Accupril should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

For treating high blood pressure alone, the general dose of Accupril is 10 mg or 20 mg by mouth one time a day; however, based on response and tolerance to the medication, the dose can be altered. If blood pressure is not efficiently controlled with Accupril only, a diuretic (water pill) may be added to the treatment regimen.

When treating heart failure with Accupril, the dose is generally started at 5 mg by mouth twice a day. Based on response and tolerance to the medication, the dose may be altered.

A lower Accupril dose may be required for patients with kidney problems.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Accupril is quinapril.

Contraindications

If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients in Accupril or if you have ever had angioedema (swelling) caused by an ACE-inhibitor, avoid use.

Avoid taking Accupril in conjunction with a neprilysin inhibitor such as sacubitril. Do not take Accupril for at least 36 hours of switching to or from a neprilysin inhibitor such as sacubitril/valsartan.

Avoid taking Accupril with aliskiren if you have diabetes.

Cautions

Accupril has an FDA Boxed Warning regarding the risk of injury and death to the developing fetus. Accupril should be stopped immediately when pregnancy is detected.

• Before beginning treatment with Accupril, talk to your doctor about:
• Any and all prescription and nonprescription medications you may take
• Any allergies you may have
• Your current health conditions and medical history
• Your current pregnancy and breastfeeding status
• Anaphylactoid and related reactions can occur with Accupril. These reactions can also occur during desensitization with hymenoptera venom and during high-flux membrane exposure in patients receiving dialysis.
• Angioedema of the face, arms, legs, lips, tongue, glottis, and larynx can be caused by Accupril. Immediately seek emergency medical attention if any of these occur.
• Accupril can cause intestinal angioedema, which can cause stomach pain with or without nausea or vomiting.
• Accupril can rarely cause liver failure.
• Low blood pressure may occur with the use of Accupril.
• Use of Accupril may cause abnormal white blood cell counts, especially in patients who experienced these abnormal counts with previous treatment with captopril, another ACE inhibitor. Patients who suffer from kidney problems, collagen vascular disease, or lupus may be at an increased risk.
• Kidney function can be affected by use of Accupril.
• High potassium levels in the blood can be caused by Accupril.
• A dry cough may occur with the use of Accupril.
• If you are undergoing surgery or anesthesia, use caution with Accupril.

Side Effects

Although these are not all of the Accupril side effects, headache, dizziness, fatigue, coughing, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain can occur. Immediately talk to your doctor if you experience troublesome or persistent side effects.

Reference:

Accupril. New York, NY: Parke-Davis; 2022.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....