Brand name:
ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride )
Generic name: Accupril
Why should ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride )
or similar drugs, such as Capoten and Vasotec, you should not take ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ).
Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Special warnings about ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride )
If you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or of
your arms and legs, or have difficulty swallowing or breathing, you should
contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment.
If you develop abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting, contact
your doctor. ACE inhibitors such as ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) have been known to cause
intestinal swelling.You may feel light-headed, especially during the
first few days of ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) therapy. If this occurs, notify your doctor.
If you actually faint, stop taking ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) until you have consulted
with your doctor.Vomiting, diarrhea, and heavy perspiration can all deplete
your body fluid; and dehydration can cause your blood pressure to drop.
If this leads to light-headedness or fainting, you should check with
your doctor.
Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) before undergoing
surgery or anesthesia.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium
without consulting your Local doctor.If you develop a sore throat, fever,
or any other sign of infection, contact your doctor immediately. It could
indicate a more serious illness.
If you are taking ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ), your doctor will do a complete assessment
of your kidney function and will watch it closely as long as you are
taking ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ).
If you notice a yellow tinge to your skin and the whites of your eyes,
stop taking the drug and notify your doctor immediately. This could be
a sign of liver damage.
The safety and effectiveness of ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) in children have not been
established.
Why is ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) prescribed?
ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It can be
taken alone or in combination with a thiazide type of water pill such
as HydroDIURIL. ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) is in a family of drugs known as "ACE
inhibitors." It works by preventing a chemical in your blood called
angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form that increases
salt and water retention in your body. ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) also enhances blood
flow throughout your blood vessels. Along with other drugs, ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride )
is also prescribed in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Most important fact about ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride )
You must take ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) regularly for it to be effective. Since blood
pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get
the full benefit of ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ); and you must continue taking it even
if you are feeling well. ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) does not cure high blood pressure;
it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride )?
You can take ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) with or without meals.
Alcohol may increase the effect of ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ), and could cause dizziness
or fainting. Avoid alcoholic beverages until you have checked with
your doctor.Take ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) exactly as prescribed, and see your doctor
regularly to make sure the drug is working properly without unwanted
side effects.
Do not stop taking ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) without first consulting your doctor.
If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back
to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling
the dose.
Special Storage instructions ACUITEL ( Quinapril
Hydrochloride )
ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) can be stored at room temperature. Protect from light.
ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ).
* Side effects may include:
Dizziness, headache etc.,
Possible food and drug interactions when taking ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride )
If ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) with the following:
Diuretics such as Lasix
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Magnesium
Potassium-sparing diuretics such as Aldactone, Dyazide, and Moduretic
Potassium supplements such as Slow-K and K-Dur
Salt substitutes containing potassium
Tetracycline (Sumycin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
ACE inhibitors such as ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) have been shown to cause injury and
even death to the unborn child when used in pregnancy during the second
and third trimesters. If you are pregnant, your doctor should discontinue
ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) as soon as possible. If you plan to become pregnant, make
sure your doctor knows you are taking ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ). ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) appears in
breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride ) is essential
to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding
until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for ACUITEL ( Quinapril Hydrochloride )
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.