Accupril Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Accupril:

Allergic reaction to this medication, which is characterized by swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Abdominal pain, with or without nausea or vomiting, which can signify intestinal swelling
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, which can be onset symptoms of serious allergic reaction
Jaundice or elevated levels of hepatic enzyme, which can be precursors to liver failure
Fever, sore throat, chills, or any other signs of infection, which can be symptoms of a serious condition known as neutropenia
Chest pain
Lightheadedness or fainting, which is a sign of symptomatic low blood pressure
Loss of fetus in pregnant women

These symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them call your doctor immediately.

Common Side Effects of Accupril:

headache or vomiting
dizziness
fatigue or tiredness
cough

Warnings & Recalls for Accupril

In September of 2009, the FDA mandated that the label of prescription Accupril be changed to include information regarding the nature of adverse reactions caused by Accupril, including the danger it posed to pregnant women. Accupril now carries a warning stating that women who are pregnant should under no circumstances take Accupril, as it can cause serious harm to the fetus.

Accupril is contraindicated in patients who suffer from allergies to this medication, or who have a history of angioedema that occurred with past treatments of from other ACE inhibitor medications.

Patients who are pregnant, wanting to become pregnant, have a history of kidney or liver problems, or are breastfeeding should not use Accupril.

Accupril Treatment and Use

Accupril | Quinapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) medication marketed by Pfizer as an oral tablet. Accupril is indicated for use in the following conditions:

Hypertension | high blood pressure, when used alone or with thiazide diuretic medications.
The management of heart failure, when used in conjunction with diuretic and/or digitalis medications.

Accupril is not a cure for high blood pressure or heart failure, and should only be used to manage these conditions.

How Does Accupril Work?

Accupril works by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme that causes blood vessels to constrict. This relaxes the blood vessels and enables blood to flow more freely, resulting in lower blood pressure.

Accupril Dosage

The following are the recommended dosing instructions for patients who take Accupril:

High blood pressure

Initial dosage of 10 mg or 20 mg once daily when used alone
Dosage may be adjusted at intervals of 2 weeks, and after the patient’s blood pressure levels have responded to medication(2-6 hours following dosing)
If Accupril alone does not alleviate symptoms, it may be used in conjunction with a diuretic medication
Elderly patients have a recommended daily dosage of 10 mg once daily

Heart failure

Initial dosage of 5 mg twice daily, with titration at weekly intervals until an effective dose(typically 20 to 40 mg twice daily) has been reached
Used as a combination treatment alongside diuretic and/or digitalis medications

Other Names for Accupril

Brand Name:

Accupril

Generic:

Quinapril Tablets