Synonyms: Accupil, Accupril, Accuprin, Accupro, Acequin, Korec, Quinaprilum, Quinazil
Acuitel (Quinapril)
Acuitel (Quinapril) 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.
How should you take Acuitel (Quinapril)?
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
This medication is also used with other drugs (e.g., "water pills"/diuretics, digoxin) to treat congestive heart failure.
Alcohol may increase the effect of Accupril, and could cause dizziness or fainting. Avoid alcoholic beverages until you have checked with your doctor.Take Accupril exactly as prescribed, and see your doctor regularly to make sure the drug is working properly without unwanted side effects. Do not stop taking Accupril without first consulting your doctor.
If you miss a dose and what should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Acuitel (Quinapril)
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acuitel or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).
Before using Acuitel (Quinapril), tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- 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.;
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use acuitel, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Acuitel could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Acuitel can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Accupril (Quinapril) side effects:
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- feeling light-headed, fainting;
- urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
- severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
- tired feeling, muscle weakness, and pounding or uneven heartbeats;
- chest pain;
- swelling, rapid weight gain or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
- cough;
- muscle pain;
- dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain or mild skin itching or rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Acuitel (Quinapril)
If Accupril 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 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
- Salt substitutes containing potassium
- Tetracycline (Sumycin)
- Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
ACE inhibitors such as Accupril have been shown to cause injury and even death to the unborn child when used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters. If you are pregnant, your doctor should discontinue Accupril as soon as possible. If you plan to become pregnant, make sure your doctor knows you are taking Accupril. Accupril appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Accupril is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
