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ACCUPRIL
IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ACCUPRIL.
QUINAPRIL - ORAL (KWIN-uh-prill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Accupril
WARNING:
ACCUPRIL can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six
months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using ACCUPRIL and
immediately contact your physician.
USES:
Quinapril prevents certain enzymes in the body from narrowing blood
vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure and makes the heart beat
stronger. ACCUPRIL is used to treat high blood pressure or heart
failure.
HOW TO TAKE ACCUPRIL:
ACCUPRIL may be taken without regard to meals. Take it exactly as
prescribed and try to take it at the same time each day. Do not stop
taking ACCUPRIL without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may
become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need
to be gradually decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, fatigue or dry cough may
occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication.
Unlikely but report promptly:
chest pain, tingling or swelling hands or feet, yellowing eyes or
skin, sore throat, dizziness. In the unlikely event you have an
allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking ACCUPRIL tell your doctor your medical history,
especially of:
angioedema, high blood levels of potassium, kidney disease or kidney
dialysis, salt restrictive diet, liver disease, allergies
(especially drug allergies). Consult your doctor before using salt
substitutes or low salt milk. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness
when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Limit
your intake of alcohol and use caution when exercising or during hot
weather as these can aggravate dizziness and lightheadedness.
ACCUPRIL should be used only when clearly needed during the first
three months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the
last six months of the pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor. ACCUPRIL is known to be excreted into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when
ACCUPRIL is used in the elderly. Caution is advised when ACCUPRIL is
used in children.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription
and nonprescription), especially if you take:
lithium, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing water pills or
other water pills (diuretics), high blood pressure drugs, NSAID
(aspirin-like drugs), quinidine, azole antifungals (e.g.,
ketoconazole), quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin), tetracyclines,
sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Avoid "stimulant" drugs that
may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or caffeine.
Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold
medicine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
dizziness and weakness.
NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while
taking ACCUPRIL. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss
this with your doctor. Lab tests may be performed periodically.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not
store in the bathroom.
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