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Accupril

Generic name: quinaprilKWIN-a-pril ]
Drug class: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 22, 2023.

What is Accupril?

Accupril (quinapril) is used in adults alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Accupril is also used in adults together with other medications to treat heart failure.

Accupril belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Warnings

Do not use Accupril if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away.

You should not use Accuprilif you have ever had angioedema. Do not take Accupril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril(such as Entresto).

If you have diabetes, do not use Accupril together with any medication that contains aliskiren, a blood pressure medicine (brand names include Tekturna and Tekamlo).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Accupril if you are allergic to quinapril, or if:

Do not take Accupril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto).

If you have diabetes, do not use Accupril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking Accupril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

To make sure Accupril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Do not use Accupril if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Quinapril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take Accupril during your second or third trimester.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I take Accupril?

Take Accupril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Accupril. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

If you have high blood pressure, keep using Accupril even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 10 or 20 mg orally once a day in patients not on diuretics
Maintenance dose: 20 to 80 mg orally per day, administered as a single dose or in two equally divided doses

Use:
-Treatment of hypertension

Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally twice a day
Maintenance dose: 20 to 40 mg orally per day administered in two equally divided doses

Comments:
-This dose may improve symptoms of heart failure, but increases in exercise duration have generally required higher doses.
-If the initial dosage is well tolerated, patients should then be titrated at weekly intervals until an effective dose.

Use:
-Management of heart failure as adjunctive therapy when added to conventional therapy including diuretics and/or digitalis

Usual Geriatric Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

10 mg orally once a day

Comments: Dose should be titrated the same way as for other adult patients.

Uses:
-Treatment of hypertension
-Management of heart failure as adjunctive therapy when added to conventional therapy including diuretics and/or digitalis

Usual Geriatric Dose for Hypertension:

10 mg orally once a day

Comments: Dose should be titrated the same way as for other adult patients.

Uses:
-Treatment of hypertension
-Management of heart failure as adjunctive therapy when added to conventional therapy including diuretics and/or digitalis

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Accupril?

Do not take potassium supplements or use salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Avoid strenuous exercise if you are being treated for heart failure. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Accupril side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Accupril: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Accupril may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Accupril side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Accupril?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with quinapril, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Accupril only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.