Accupril

 
Generic Name: quinapril

Brands: Accupril

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What is the most important information I should know about Accupril?

· Accupril is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Accupril is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Accupril can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Do not take Accupril if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· Accupril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking Accupril, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking Accupril.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Accupril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

· Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with Accupril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

 

What is Accupril?

· Accupril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).

· Accupril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat congestive heart failure.

· Accupril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Accupril?

· Accupril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking Accupril, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while taking Accupril.

· Before taking Accupril, tell your doctor if you     ·have kidney disease;     ·have liver disease;     ·are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood;     ·are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone); or     ·have diabetes.

· You may not be able to take Accupril, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Accupril is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Accupril is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Accupril can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Do not take Accupril if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· Accupril passes into breast milk, and its effects on a nursing infant are not known. Do not take Accupril without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Accupril?

· Take Accupril exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Take Accupril on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

· It is important to take Accupril regularly to get the most benefit.

· Do not stop taking Accupril without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this medication suddenly, your condition could become worse.

· Your doctor may want you to have blood pressure checks, blood tests, or other medical evaluations during treatment with Accupril to monitor progress and side effects.

· Store Accupril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Accupril overdose may include extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

 

What should I avoid while taking Accupril?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, performing other hazardous activities. Accupril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Accupril.

· Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Accupril except under the supervision of your doctor.

· Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with Accupril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

 

What are the possible side effects of Accupril?

· If you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects, stop taking Accupril and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·little or no urine;     ·irregular heartbeats or changes in heartbeats;     ·chest pain;     ·severe dizziness or fainting; or     ·signs of an infection including a sore throat or a fever.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Accupril and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·mild dizziness or lightheadedness;     ·fatigue;     ·dry, tickling cough;     ·headache;     ·muscle pain or cramps;     ·rash;     ·anxiety or depression;     ·numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs; or     ·nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Accupril?

· Before taking Accupril, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:     ·a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;     ·salt substitutes that contain potassium;     ·any of the diuretics (water pills) triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), spironolactone (Aldactone), or amiloride (Midamor);     ·any other diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, others), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), indapamide (Lozol), and others;     ·lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others); or     ·tetracycline (Achromycin, Sumycin).

· You may not be able to take Accupril, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Accupril or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Accupril written for health professionals that you may read.

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