Accupril tablets contain the active ingredient quinapril, which is a type of drug called an ACE inhibitor. Quinapril tablets are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug.
ACE inhibitors work by blocking the action of a compound in the body called angiotensin converting enzyme. Normally ACE produces another compound called angiotensin II, as part of the body's natural control of blood pressure. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict and narrow, which increases the pressure within the blood vessels.
As quinapril blocks the action of ACE, it reduces the production of angiotensin II. This means that the blood vessels are allowed to relax and widen. The overall effect of this is a drop in blood pressure, hence quinapril can be used to lower high blood pressure.
The reduced pressure within the blood vessels means that the heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump the blood around the body. This means that ACE inhibitors such as quinapril can also be used to improve the symptoms of heart failure, where the heart is not pumping as efficiently as it should be.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- high blood pressure with no known cause.;
- heart failure;
Accupril 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. Accupril 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. Accupril also enhances blood flow throughout your blood vessels. Along with other drugs, Accupril is also prescribed in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
You must take Accupril regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Accupril; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Accupril does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
You can take Accupril with or without meals.
- alteration in taste;
- blurred vision;
- chest pain;
- depression;
- difficulty in sleeping;
- disorders of the kidney liver or blood;
- disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea constipation nausea vomiting indigestion or abdominal pain;
- dizziness;
- dry cough;
- fatigue;
- feeling of weakness;
- headache;
- impotence;
- increased level of potassium in the blood;
- inflammation of the lining of the nose;
- low blood pressure;
- pain in the muscles or joints;
- palpitations;
- pins and needles sensations;
- rash or itching;
- severe swelling of lips face tongue or throat;
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
The usual starting dose is 10 or 20 mg taken once a day. If you have any problems with your kidneys or if you are also taking a diuretic, your starting dose may be lower. For adults over age 65, the usual starting dose is 10 mg. Depending on how your blood pressure responds, your doctor may increase your dose up to a total of 80 mg a day taken once a day or divided into two doses.
CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
The usual starting dose is 5 mg taken twice a day. Your doctor may increase the dose from week to week, up to as much as 20 to 40 mg daily, divided into 2 equal doses. If you have kidney problems, the dosage will be lower.
