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Accupril

Generic name: Quinapril

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.

Accupril is one of a group of drugs that includes Vasotec and Capoten. These medications are called ACE inhibitors because they affect an enzyme (angiotensin-converting enzyme) important in regulating blood pressure.

Accupril Dosage

ACCUPRIL may be administered without regard to meals.

Hypertension:
Monotherapy : The recommended initial dosage of ACCUPRIL in patients not on diuretics is 10 mg once daily. Depending upon clinical response, patient's dosage may be titrated (by doubling the dose) to a maintenance dosage of 20 to 40 mg/day given as a single dose or divided into two doses. Generally, dosage adjustments should be made at intervals of four weeks or according to patient's response. Long-term control is maintained in most patients with a single daily dosage regimen.
Antihypertensive activity commences within one hour with peak effects usually achieved by two to four hours after dosing. Achievement of maximum blood pressure lowering effects may require two weeks of therapy in some patients.
Concomitant Diuretics : In patients who are also being treated with a diuretic, the initial dosage of ACCUPRIL is 5 mg in order to determine if excess hypotension will occur. The dosage should subsequently be titrated to the optimal response

Congestive Heart Failure:
The recommended initial dosage in patients with congestive heart failure due to unresponsive systolic left ventricular failure of various aetiologies in which afterload reduction is advocated, is a single 5 mg dose, following which the patient should be monitored closely for symptomatic hypotension. Patients may be titrated up to 40 mg per day given in two doses with concomitant diuretic and/or cardiac glycoside therapy. Patients can, however, normally be maintained effectively on doses of 10 to 20 mg per day given in one or two doses with concomitant therapy.

Uses of Accupril

• It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
• This medication is also used with other drugs (e.g., "water pills"/diuretics, digoxin) to treat congestive heart failure.

Side Effects of Accupril

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 Accupril. Side effects may include:

• Dizziness, headache
• ACE inhibitors, including Accupril, can reduce kidney function, particularly in people who already have kidney problems. Regular monitoring is essential.
• Other side effects reported include chest pain, palpitations, back pain, drowsiness, constipation, hair loss, dry mouth and impotence.

Warnings and precautions before taking Accupril:

• 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 Accupril before undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
• Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without consulting your 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 Accupril, your doctor will do a complete assessment of your kidney function and will watch it closely as long as you are taking Accupril.
• Accupril should be avoided during pregnancy, especially second and third trimesters.

Drug Interaction :-It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Accupril 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

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• A severe drop in blood pressure is the primary sign of an Accupril overdose.