Accupril and/or Equivalents

Accupril

Accupril Drug Description

Accupril belongs to a group of medicines commonly known as ACE (angiotensin-converting-enzyme) inhibitors. It is prescribed in the management of hypertension (high blood pressure) and congestive cardiac failure. Both hypertension and cardiac failure are potentially life-threatening conditions and Accupril is often prescribed concomitantly with diuretics for better management of the disorder. The prime ingredient in Accupril oral tablet is Quinapril hydrochloride. It is available in four strengths i.e. 5mg, 10mg, 20mg and 40 mg. The tablets also contain candelilla wax, gelatin, crospovidone, magnesium carbonate, lactose, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide and artificial red iron oxide as the excipients. Each 5mg tablet is film-coated, elliptical shaped, scored and brown coloured with ‘PD 527’ embossed on one surface and ‘5’ embossed on the other. The 10mg tablet is film-coated, triangular shaped and brown coloured with ‘PD 530’ embossed on one surface and ‘10’ embossed on the other. Each 20mg tablet is film-coated, round shaped and brown coloured with ‘PD 532’ embossed on one surface and ‘20’ embossed on the other. The 40mg tablet is film-coated, elliptical shaped and brown coloured with ‘PD 535’ embossed on one surface and ‘40’ embossed on the other. The tablets are available either in bottles of ninety tablets each or as 10x10 blister packs. Accupril is approved by FDA and available only by prescription. It is presented by Parke-Davis, a division of Pfizer Inc.

Conditions Treated by Accupril

Accupril is an ACE inhibitor and primarily prescribed for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. It is used concomitantly along with several other medications like diuretics or digitalis to control these life-threatening conditions. The medicine works by relaxing the blood vessels and helping your heart to function more efficiently. Your blood pressure remains normal and there is lessened risk of a heart failure.

Accupril Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

In case of hypertension, when Accupril is not prescribed concomitantly with a diuretic or digitalis, the initial recommended dosage is 10mg or 20mg once per day. Subsequent dosage is adjusted depending on the improvement of blood pressure measured both before and after the dosage. Usually, such adjustments are made after two weeks of commencement of treatment. In general, most patients are prescribed 20mg / 40mg / 80mg of Accupril daily to be taken in single or divided doses with or without food. When Accupril is prescribed concomitantly with diuretics or digitalis, the recommended dosage is 5mg per day. In case of heart failure, the initial recommended dosage of Accupril prescribed concomitantly with digitalis or diuretics is 5mg twice per day. Depending on individual tolerance, the dosage is adjusted between 20mg and 40mg to be taken in equally divided doses with or without food. In patients who are also suffering from renal impairment, the initial recommended dose of Accupril is between 2.5mg and 5mg daily.

b.) Missing a dose

In case you have missed a particular dose of Accupril, take it whenever you remember. However, skip the missed dose if you are about to take the next normal dose. Never overdose i.e. take too much of the medicine in order to compensate for a missed dose. Seek medical advice instead on how to make up for the missed dose.

c.) Overdosing

Talk to your physician immediately in case you have taken too much of Accupril. Typical overdose symptoms include dizziness, feeling of light-headedness or fainting.

Accupril Warnings

Accupril is prescribed for the treatment of life-threatening conditions. Your physician will prescribe it only after carefully deliberating on your requirements vis-a-vis the risks and benefits of Accupril for you. To help him/her to decide correctly, it is important for you to share all information about your past and present medical condition, other medicines you may be taking currently or if you are allergic to any particular molecule. It is especially important to avoid taking potassium supplements along with Accupril as this may lead to hyperkalemia. Before commencing treatment, discuss with your physician all aspects of Accupril treatment including the dosage, adverse reactions, precautions etc. Inform him/her immediately in case you feel uneasy after taking the medicine, experience any allergic reactions or have sore throat along with fever (neutropenia). However, never stop treatment on your own or alter doses arbitrarily. Your physician must know if you have any previous history of angiodema (a serious allergic reaction causing swelling of mouth, lips, throat, tongue and larynx) after taking ACE inhibitors. S/he must also know if you are suffering from any renal disorder or if you are about to undergo a surgery. Inform your physician if you are pregnant, plan to conceive or breastfeeding. S/he will then prescribe Accupril after only if the benefits outweigh the risks. While undergoing treatment with Accupril, you must take adequate amount of fluid and try to avoid excessive perspiration, vomiting or diarrhoea. All this can lead to hypotension i.e. an extreme fall in your blood pressure while you are already taking Accupril to control your blood pressure. Always store the medicine in a cool and dark place between 15ºC and 30ºC. Keep away from children and pets and never share with another person without consulting your physician.

Accupril Side Effects

As with any medicine, treatment with Accupril too has side effects though these may not be same for all patients. In general, talk to your physician if you experience any of the following adverse reactions after taking Accupril:

• Persistent dry cough
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness
• Excessive fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Mental confusion
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Allergic reactions like runny nose, itchy skin, hives, rashes, swelling of mouth and throat, difficulty in breathing
• Nervousness
• Sudden difficulty in swallowing
• Tingling sensation or numbness in the hands and feet

Accupril Drug Interactions

The active and inactive ingredients of Accupril may interact with any other medicine. In order to make the treatment safe and effective, your physician must know everything about all other formulations you are taking presently including prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal preparations, dietary supplements, vitamins etc. You must also share information about your addictions, if any, towards nicotine, caffeine, alcohol or street drugs.

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Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Accupril and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information