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Accuretic - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and quinapril (hye droe klor oh THYE a zide and KWIH nah pril)
Brand Names: Accuretic

Accuretic combines two types of blood pressure medication. The first, quinapril hydrochloride, is an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor. It works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin.

Accuretic is an ACE inhibitor and thiazide diuretic combination used to treat high blood pressure.

Accuretic Dosage

Accuretic is usually taken once a day. Your doctor will adjust the dosage depending on how your blood pressure responds. Daily doses of up to 80 milligrams of quinapril and 50 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide may be prescribed, but doctors aim for the smallest dose that proves effective.

Uses of Accuretic

• Quinapril should normally be used in those patients in whom treatment with a diuretic or a beta-blocker was found ineffective or has been associated with unacceptable adverse effects.
• Quinapril HCl/hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Side Effects of Accuretic

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 Accuretic. More common side effects may include:

• Cough, dizziness, headache
• Abdominal pain, back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, fatigue, indigestion, insomnia, muscle aches.

Warnings and precautions before taking Accuretic:

• If you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or of your arms and legs, or have difficulty swallowing or breathing, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment.
• You may feel light-headed, especially during the first few days of Accuretic therapy. If this occurs, notify your doctor. If you actually faint, stop taking the medication until you have consulted with your doctor.
• Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can all deplete your body's fluids and cause your blood pressure to drop. If this leads to light-headedness or fainting, you should check with your doctor.
• Accuretic may increase your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
• As diuretics cause your kidneys to produce more urine, you may prefer to take this medicine in the morning rather than before going to bed, as this will reduce the likelihood of you needing to get up in the night to visit the toilet. Seek further advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interaction :- If Accuretic 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 Accuretic with the following:

• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• Cholestyramine (Questran)
• Colestipol (Colestid)
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone or ACTH
• Diabetes medications such as insulin or Micronase
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Tetracycline (Achromycin V, Sumycin)

Overdose

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

Symptoms of Accuretic overdose may include:

• A severe drop in blood pressure, dry mouth, excessive thirst, muscle pain or cramps, nausea and vomiting, weak or irregular heartbeat, weakness and dizziness.