quinapril
Quinapril (also known by its brand name, Accupril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It's used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure in adults. This medication is available as a lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth once or twice per day. Side effects include headache, dizziness, and cough.
What is Quinapril (Accupril)?
What is Quinapril (Accupril) used for?
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
How Quinapril (Accupril) works
Quinapril (Accupril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ACE is a protein in your body that works to squeeze your blood vessels and help your blood pressure go up. Quinapril (Accupril) blocks how ACE works, which causes your blood vessels to relax. This helps lower your blood pressure.
Drug facts
Side effects of Quinapril (Accupril)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
High blood pressure:
- Headache (6%)
- Dizziness (4%)
- Fatigue (3%)
Heart failure:
- Dizziness (8%)
- Cough (4%)
- Fatigue (3%)
- Low blood pressure (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
High blood pressure:
- Cough
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
Heart failure:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Muscle or back pain
- Rash
Quinapril (Accupril) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Angioedema (severe swelling): swelling (in the face, arms or legs, lips, tongue, or throat); trouble breathing; wheezing; nausea; vomiting; severe stomach pain
- Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
- Serious kidney problems: urinating less often than usual; swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands; unexplained weight gain
- High blood potassium levels: nausea, muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat
- Severe allergic reaction: swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face; trouble breathing; rash
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The following Quinapril (Accupril) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Blurred vision
confusion
difficult or labored breathing
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
stomach pain
sweating
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Headache
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Quinapril (Accupril)
Pros
- A first-choice medication for lowering blood pressure for many people
- Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
- Can't take during pregnancy
- Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in Black adults
- Hasn't been studied in children
Pharmacist tips for Quinapril (Accupril)
- Take quinapril (Accupril) with or without food at any time of day. If it's hurting your stomach, try taking it with food to help.
- You might feel dizzy when you first start taking quinapril (Accupril) and when your dose is raised. This should get better as your body gets used to your new blood pressure. Lower your risk of falls by standing up slowly and carefully from a sitting or lying down position.
- Drink plenty of fluids while you're taking quinapril (Accupril), especially on hot days or after exercising. Your blood pressure might drop too much if you don't have enough fluids in your body. This can worsen dizziness and raise your risk of falls. Ask your provider about how to safely stay hydrated if you have heart failure or kidney problems.
- Check your blood pressure on a regular basis and keep a log of your readings. Bring your log to your office visits so you can discuss with your provider about how well quinapril (Accupril) is working for you.
- Make sure to get any blood work done as you take quinapril (Accupril). These blood tests help your provider check for side effects like changes in your potassium levels and kidney health. Your dose might need to be changed based on your lab results.
- Make sure to tell your providers about all the medications you're taking or planning to take. Quinapril (Accupril) can interact with other medications. This can affect how well your medications work or raise your risk for side effects. Your providers and pharmacists can check that your medications are safe for you to take together.
- Avoid using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil), with quinapril (Accupril) unless your provider says it's okay. Taking these medications with quinapril (Accupril) can raise your risk for kidney problems.
- Continue to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that you enjoy, follow a low-salt diet, and get regular exercise while you're taking quinapril (Accupril). This helps lower your blood pressure. You might be able to stop taking the medication if your blood pressure is well-controlled with these lifestyle changes.
- Stop taking quinapril (Accupril) and tell your provider right away if you're pregnant. This medication isn't safe to take during pregnancy because it can harm your unborn baby. Your provider might prescribe a different medication that's safer during pregnancy and recommend lifestyle changes to make to help lower your blood pressure.
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Common questions about Quinapril (Accupril)
Quinapril (Accupril) can start lowering your blood pressure within 1 hour, and it can take up to 4 hours for the medication's maximum effect. For any given dose, it can take 1 to 2 weeks to see noticeable changes in your blood pressure. That's why you'll take the medication at the prescribed dose for a few weeks before your provider considers any dose adjustments. Regularly check your blood pressure at home as instructed by your provider. Write down your blood pressure readings and bring them to your appointments. Your provider will discuss with you about how well quinapril (Accupril) is working for you based on your readings. It can take a little time and a few dose adjustments before your provider finds a dose that works best for you.
No, quinapril (Accupril) and lisinopril (Zestril) aren't the same. They're both ACE inhibitors, but they're different medications. First, both medications can treat high blood pressure and heart failure, but lisinopril (Zestril) can also help lower the risk of death after a heart attack. Second, quinapril (Accupril) hasn't been studied in children, but lisinopril (Zestril) can be used in children as young as 6 years old. Finally, lisinopril (Zesteril) is a longer-acting medication and is typically taken once per day, whereas quinapril (Accupril) is taken either once or twice per day. Talk with your provider if you have any questions about quinapril (Accupril) and lisinopril (Zestril).
Quinapril (Accupril) is a short-acting medication. It takes about 10 hours for most of quinapril (Accupril) to leave the body. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of the medication. Keep in mind that how long the medication stays in your system can depend on your age and kidney function.
No, quinapril (Accupril) isn't a blood thinner; it doesn't prevent blood clots from forming and it doesn't raise your risk of bleeding. Instead, quinapril (Accupril) helps relax your blood vessels to lower your blood pressure.
No, quinapril (Accupril) isn't a beta blocker; it's an ACE inhibitor. Beta blockers and ACE inhibitors help lower blood pressure in different ways. ACE inhibitors, like quinapril (Accupril), are generally considered first-choice medications for blood pressure, but beta blockers aren't. In general, your provider might consider a beta blocker for you only if you can't take ACE inhibitors or if you have certain medical conditions. Your provider might prescribe a beta blocker along with quinapril (Accupril), depending on how well your blood pressure improves with quinapril (Accupril) by itself.
Weight gain isn't a known side effect of quinapril (Accupril). Talk to your provider if you notice unexplained changes in your weight during treatment.
Quinapril (Accupril) isn't known to lower heart rate. But some people have reported having small changes in heart rate while taking this medication. It isn't clear whether these changes in heart rate are caused by quinapril (Accupril). Ask your provider if you notice that your heart rate is lower than usual while you're taking quinapril (Accupril).
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Risks and warnings for Quinapril (Accupril)
Quinapril (Accupril) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Not safe during pregnancy
Quinapril (Accupril) can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening harm to unborn babies. For this reason, avoid using this medication during pregnancy. Before you start quinapril (Accupril), discuss with your provider about safer options to treat your blood pressure if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. If you become pregnant while you're taking quinapril (Accupril), stop the medication and let your provider know right away.
Angioedema (swelling)
- Risk factors: Black people | Having angioedema in the past
People who take ACE inhibitors, like quinapril (Accupril), can experience a rare, but serious side effect called angioedema. This involves swelling in different parts of the body, including the face, throat, and tongue. Swelling of the tongue or throat area can be potentially life-threatening since it can make it difficult to breathe. Angioedema can happen at any time during treatment. You might be more likely to experience angioedema if you're Black, an older adult, or of female sex. Get medical attention immediately if you notice any unusual swelling, stomach pain, or difficulty breathing. You'll have to stop taking quinapril (Accupril) if this happens.
Low blood pressure
- Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time | Low salt levels in your body | Taking higher doses of diuretic medications | Dialysis | Heart failure
Sometimes, taking quinapril (Accupril) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much. This can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. This side effect is more common when you first start quinapril (Accupril) or when your provider raises your dose. Make sure to stay well-hydrated during treatment. Make sure to sit or lie down slowly while holding onto something if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, faint, or tired. And get medical help right away if you accidentally fall and hit your head.
Worsening kidney problems
- Risk factors: Severe heart failure | Kidney problems or renal artery stenosis | Not enough fluid in your body | Taking other medications that can cause kidney damage
Quinapril (Accupril) is usually good for the kidneys. But in some cases, it can make kidney problems worse. The risk is higher for people who have certain types of kidney problems, such as renal artery stenosis or kidney damage from severe heart failure. Your provider might order lab tests every so often to make sure your kidneys are healthy and working properly. You'll typically need these lab tests before you start quinapril (Accupril) and periodically during treatment as needed. Let your provider know if you're urinating less often than usual, as this could be a sign that your kidneys aren't working as well.
High potassium levels
- Risk factors: Diabetes | Kidney problems | Taking other medications that also raise potassium
Quinapril (Accupril) can raise the amount of potassium in your body, which can sometimes be dangerous. Your risk of developing high potassium is greater if you have diabetes or kidney problems or if you're taking other medications that also raise potassium levels. For this reason, make sure your provider knows your full medical history and what medications you're taking before starting treatment. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience signs of high potassium levels, such as nausea, muscle weakness, or abnormal heartbeat.
Liver problems
- Risk factors: History of liver problems | Drinking large amounts of alcohol
In some rare cases, people who took ACE inhibitors like quinapril (Accupril) developed a blocked bile duct. This condition can lead to liver problems or liver failure. Your provider might order blood tests to check your liver health from time to time. Let your provider know right away if you notice symptoms of liver problems, such as tiredness, stomach pain, or yellowing of your skin.
Quinapril (Accupril) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $15.32 | $0.51 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $15.42 | $0.51 |
| 20mg | 90 tablets | $28.04 | $0.31 |
| 40mg | 90 tablets | $29.15 | $0.32 |
Typical dosage for Quinapril (Accupril)
- High blood pressure: The typical starting dose is 10 mg or 20 mg by mouth once daily. For people taking a diuretic (water pill), the typical starting dose is 5 mg by mouth once daily. The usual dose ranges from 20 mg to 80 mg per day (as a single dose or split into two equal doses during the day).
- Heart failure: The typical starting dose is 5 mg by mouth twice daily. The usual dosage ranges from 10 mg to 20 mg by mouth twice daily.
Your provider will adjust your dose depending on your age, your kidney function, how well the medication is working to treat your condition, and whether you're having side effects.
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Interactions between Quinapril (Accupril) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Aliskiren
- Sacubitril
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Alteplase, Recombinant
- Amiloride
- Azathioprine
- Azilsartan
- Azilsartan Medoxomil
- Candesartan Cilexetil
- Canrenoate
- Eplerenone
- Eprosartan
- Everolimus
- Irbesartan
- Lithium
- Losartan
- Mercaptopurine
- Olmesartan Medoxomil
- Potassium
- Potassium Phosphate
- Sirolimus
- Spironolactone
- Telmisartan
- Triamterene
- Trimethoprim
- Valsartan
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Azosemide
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Bumetanide
- Bupivacaine
- Bupivacaine Liposome
- Capsaicin
- Celecoxib
- Choline Salicylate
- Clonixin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyrone
- Droxicam
- Ethacrynic Acid
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Furosemide
- Gold Sodium Thiomalate
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Nesiritide
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piretanide
- Piroxicam
- Proglumetacin
- Propionic Acid
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Torsemide
- Valdecoxib
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Quinapril (Accupril) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Quinapril (Accupril) will not be safe for you to take.
- History of angioedema
- Taking at the same time as aliskiren (Tekturna) for people with high blood sugar (diabetes)
- Taking at the same time or within 36 hours of neprilysin inhibitors, such as Entresto (sacubitril / valsartan)
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