Acuitel 40mg Tablet

What is Quinapril?

Quinapril is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor drug. It is prescribed primarily for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart failure. Quinapril is sold under the trade names Accupril and Acuitel (Pfizer) among several other brands across the world. This medication may also be used for conditions not described here.

Important Information about Quinapril

Do not take Quinapril (Accupril, Acuitel) if you are allergic to it, or to any other ACE inhibitor such as ramipril, captopril, fosinopril, benazepril, enalapril, moexipril, and others. To make sure that this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor in advance if you have any of these conditions: kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease or congestive heart failure, diabetes, or a connective tissue disease (such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis).

Excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of too much body water and increase the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance while taking Quinapril. Notify your doctor if you have persistent diarrhea or vomiting while taking this medicine. Ensure that you take plenty of fluids.

Quinapril belongs to FDA pregnancy category D which means it can harm an unborn baby. Do not take if you are a pregnant woman. If you become pregnant during the treatment with this medicine, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. Quinapril can cause injury or death of an unborn baby if pregnant women take it in second or third trimester. Use of effective birth control is recommended while taking this medicine. Quinapril can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medicine without your doctor’s advice if you are breast feeding.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, continue taking Quinapril even if you don’t have any symptoms. High blood pressure doesn’t have any outwardly signs. You may have to take this medicine for many years.

Before taking Quinapril

To make sure that this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor in advance if you have any of these conditions: kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease or congestive heart failure, diabetes, or a connective tissue disease (such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis).

How should I take Quinapril?

Take Quinapril strictly according to your doctor’s directions or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Quinapril can be taken with or without food. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place.

What if I miss a dose?

Medicaitons work properly if taken on schedule as prescribed. Missing even a single dose of medication may cause your condition to deteriorate. If you miss a dose of Quinapril, take it as soon as you remember it. However, forget about the missed dose if the time for the next scheduled dose is near and continue with your original dosing schedule.

What if I overdose?

In case of an overdose of Quinapril, get emergency medical attention or call the Poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose may lead to severe dizziness, light headedness, or fainting.

Things and Activities to avoid while taking Quinapril

Avoid alcohol as drinking alcoholic beverages while taking Quinapril can lead to severely low blood pressure. Also avoid activities which require a high level of mental awareness and reflexes (such as driving) until you are sure that you can do them safely. Quinapril may increase your potassium levels. Therefore you must avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine.

Quinapril Side Effects

Some common side effects of Quinapril are dizziness, light headedness, tiredness, or headache. If any of these effects persist or deteriorate, get medical attention right away. A serious side effect is unlikely. However, if you get any serious side effect due to elevated potassium levels (fast, irregular or rapid heartbeat, muscle weakness), fainting, decreased or no urination, or any other serious side effect, seek medical attention immediately.

This medication may rarely cause a serious liver problem. Let your doctor know immediately if you experience signs of liver damage such as yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach or abdominal pain, or persistent nausea or vomiting.

The details provided here are limited and non exhaustive. You may experience some side effects which have no reference over here. If you feel that the effects are serious, do not hesitate to seek emergency medical assistance. Reporting your side effects to FDA by calling at 1-800-FDA-1088 is also recommended.

Quinapril Dosing Information

Quinapril dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.

Interaction with other drugs

Many other drugs can interact with Quinapril. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any other drugs or related products (OTC vitamin pills or other medicines, or herbal products), especially gold injections for arthritis, any other blood pressure medicine, lithium, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, or others), a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, salt substitutes that contain potassium, or a diuretic. The drug interactions mentioned here are limited as mentioning all possible interactions here is out of scope of this guide. There may be other drug interactions. Remember to follow the directions of your doctor regarding any medicaitons.