Guest guest Posted May 29, 2001 Report Share Posted May 29, 2001 Anne, You man be able to find Accupril in the British formilar under Quinapril. Accupril is the brand name that Pharm. uses. R. Back to last page -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quinapril Hydrochloride/Hydrochlorothiazide Available in: Tablets Drug Class: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor/diuretic Not available as Generic Not available over-the-counter Brand Names Accuretic Side Effects Serious Fever and chills, sore throat and hoarseness, sudden difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, mouth, or extremities, impaired kidney function (ankle swelling, decreased urination), confusion, yellow discoloration of the eyes or skin (indicating liver disorder), intense itching, chest pain or heartbeat irregularities, abdominal pain. Serious side effects are very rare; contact your doctor immediately. Common Dry, persistent cough, drowsiness. Less Common Dizziness or fainting, skin rash, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, change in color of the hands from white to blue to red (Raynauds phenomenon) in cold weather, unusual fatigue or muscle weakness, nausea, loss of taste, headache, unusual dreams. Precautions Over 60 Driving and Hazardous Work Alcohol Pregnancy Breast Feeding Infants and Children Special Concerns Principal Uses To treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Used in patients for whom both quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide have been prescribed. How the Drug Works Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as quinapril block an enzyme that produces angiotensin, a naturally occurring substance that causes blood vessels to constrict and stimulates production of the adrenal hormone, aldosterone, which promotes sodium retention in the body. As a result, ACE inhibitors relax blood vessels (causing them to widen) and reduces sodium retention, which lowers blood pressure and so decreases the workload of the heart. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic, increases sodium and water in the urine output. By reducing the overall fluid volume in the body, diuretics reduce blood volume and so reduce blood pressure. Dosage This combination medication comes in three strengths: quinapril/hydrochlorothiazide 10/12.5, 20/12.5, and 20/25. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose. Onset of Effect Within 1 hour for quinapril; within 2 hours for HCTZ. Duration of Action 24 hours for quinapril; 6 to 12 hours for HCTZ. Dietary Advice Follow your doctors dietary advice (such as low-salt or low-cholesterol restrictions) to improve control over high blood pressure and prevent heart disease. Storage Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct light. If You Miss a Dose If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosage schedule. Do not double the next dose. Stopping the Drug Discontinuing this drug abruptly may cause potentially serious problems. The dosage should be reduced gradually, according to your doctors instructions. Prolonged Use See your doctor regularly for evaluation if you must take this medicine for a prolonged period. Lifelong therapy may be necessary. Precautions Over 60 Adverse reactions may be more likely and more severe in older patients. Driving and Hazardous Work Do not drive or engage in hazardous work until you determine how the medicine affects you. Alcohol Consume alcohol only in moderation since it may increase the effect of the drug and cause an excessive drop in blood pressure. Consult your doctor for advice. Pregnancy Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use of this drug during the last 6 months of pregnancy may cause severe defects, even death, in the fetus. Breast Feeding Quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide may pass into breast milk; caution is advised. Consult your doctor for specific advice. Infants and Children Not recommended for use by children under 18. Special Concerns A rare complication is angioedema, characterized by swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat. It may be so severe as to cause obstruction of the airways, which could be fatal. Overdose Symptoms: Overdose has not been reported; symptoms might include dizziness, faintness, or confusion. What to Do: While overdose is unlikely, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately if you suspect that someone has taken a much larger dose than prescribed. Drug Interactions Consult your doctor for specific advice if you are taking cholestyramine, colestipol, corticosteroids, digitalis drugs, antidiabetic drugs, lithium, potassium-containing medications or supplements, or any over-the-counter drug (especially cold remedies and appetite suppressants). Food Interactions Avoid low-salt milk and salt substitutes. Many of these products contain potassium. Disease Interactions Consult your doctor if you have systemic lupus erythematosus or if you have had a prior allergic reaction to ACE inhibitors. This medication should be used with caution by patients with abnormal liver function and is not recommended for those with severe kidney disease. This medication can increase blood triglycerides and worsen control of blood sugar in people with diabetes. Last updated September 11, 2000 Printer-friendly format Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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