Accupril
Generic name: Quinapril
Brand Name: Accupril
Indications
Hypertension
Accupril is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics. It works on certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels and eases the blood flow.
Heart Failure
Accupril is indicated in the treatment of heart failure as adjunctive therapy when added to conventional therapy including diuretics and/or digitalis.
Dosage and Administration
Accupril tablets are supplied as 5mg, 10mg, 20mg and 40mg tablets.
For Hypertension:
Normal dosage: recommended will be 10 or 20 mg to be administered once a day.
Adults aged 65 and above: recommended will be 10 mg initially.
The dosage entirely depends on your blood pressure reading.
For Heart Failure:
Normal dosage: recommended will be 5mg to be administered twice a day. An increase in dosage can also be expected as per the physician’s advice.
Overdose?
In case of overdose, seek medical help immediately. Overdose can bring down Blood pressure drastically, which can be dangerous.
Drug Description
Accupril (quinapril hydrochloride) is the hydrochloride salt of quinapril, the ethyl ester of a non-sulfhydryl, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, quinaprilat. Quinapril hydrochloride is chemically described as [3S-[2[R*(R*)], 3R*]]-2-[2-[[1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]amino]-1-oxopropyl]-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydro-3-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid, monohydrochloride. Its empirical formula is C25H30N2O5 •HCl and its structural formula is:
Quinapril hydrochloride is a white to off-white amorphous powder that is freely soluble in aqueous solvents.
It is a white to off-white amorphous powder that is freely soluble in water. The drug contains candelilla wax, crospovidone, gelatin, lactose, magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, synthetic red iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects include an allergic reaction, irregular palpitation, chest pain, severe dizziness. Immediate consultation of the physician is recommended.
Precautions
- Avoid using Accupril during pregnancy.
- While administering Accupril be careful if you have heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness or drowsiness.
- Avoid alcohol intake while taking this drug.
- Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.
- Avoid taking food with high amount of sodium.
Drug Interactions
Patients on diuretics may occasionally experience an excessive reduction of blood pressure after initiation of therapy with Accupril.
If Accupril is used with potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride), potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes is indicated, they should be used with caution along with appropriate monitoring of serum potassium
Simultaneous administration of tetracycline with Accupril reduced the absorption of tetracycline possibly due to the high magnesium content in Accupril tablets.
Increased serum lithium levels and symptoms of lithium toxicity have been reported in patients receiving concomitant lithium and ACE inhibitor therapy. If a diuretic is also used, it may increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
