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By: Bennett Heyn
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May 13, 2023
How Much Does Accupril Cost?
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Accupril?
- What is Accupril Used to Treat?
- Do You Need a Prescription for Accupril?
- How Does Accupril Work?
- Common Side Effects of Accupril
- What Should Not Be Taken with Accupril?
Introduction
Accupril is a brand name for the generic drug quinapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It is used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It is also used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and death in people with coronary artery disease. Accupril is available in tablet form and is taken orally. This article will discuss the use, side effects, and precautions associated with Accupril.
What is Accupril?
Accupril is an ACE inhibitor, a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure. ACE inhibitors work by blocking the action of the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, which increases blood pressure. By blocking the action of ACE, Accupril helps to relax the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
What is Accupril Used to Treat?
Accupril is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and death in people with coronary artery disease. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart.
Do You Need a Prescription for Accupril?
Yes, Accupril is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a doctor. It is not available over-the-counter.
How Does Accupril Work?
Accupril works by blocking the action of the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). ACE is responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, which increases blood pressure. By blocking the action of ACE, Accupril helps to relax the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
Common Side Effects of Accupril
Common side effects of Accupril include dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Other side effects may include dry cough, rash, itching, and difficulty breathing. If any of these side effects become severe or do not go away, contact your doctor.
What Should Not Be Taken with Accupril?
Accupril should not be taken with other drugs that contain ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril, benazepril, and enalapril. It should also not be taken with diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide. Accupril should also not be taken with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone and triamterene. If you are taking any of these medications, talk to your doctor before taking Accupril.
Indications for Accupril
Accupril (quinapril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It is also used to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack. Accupril is available in tablet form and is taken orally.
Accupril is indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and congestive heart failure. It can also be used to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack. Accupril is also used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart).
Dosage and Administration Recommendations
The recommended starting dose of Accupril is 10 mg once daily. The dosage can be increased up to 80 mg once daily, depending on the patient’s response to the medication. Patients with congestive heart failure should start with 5 mg once daily and increase the dose gradually to a maximum of 40 mg once daily.
Accupril should be taken with food. It should not be taken with potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes. Patients should be monitored closely for signs of hypotension (low blood pressure) when Accupril is taken with diuretics (water pills).
Common Drug Interactions
Accupril can interact with other medications, including diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), potassium supplements, and lithium. Accupril should not be taken with potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes.
Accupril can also interact with other ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and aliskiren. Patients taking Accupril should not take any other ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or aliskiren.
Warnings for Accupril
Accupril can cause serious side effects, including hypotension (low blood pressure), hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), and angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). Accupril can also cause liver damage, and patients should be monitored closely for signs of liver injury.
Accupril should not be used in patients with a history of angioedema or hypersensitivity to ACE inhibitors. Accupril should also not be used in pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
Clinical Pharmacology
Accupril is an ACE inhibitor that works by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor (narrows blood vessels). This leads to a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in blood flow to the heart.
Accupril is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and has a half-life of about 11 hours. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine.
Medication Guide
Patients should be aware of the potential side effects of Accupril, including hypotension (low blood pressure), hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), and angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). Patients should also be aware of the potential for drug interactions with Accupril and should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking.
Patients should also be aware of the potential for liver damage with Accupril and should contact their healthcare provider if they experience any signs of liver injury, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or abdominal pain.
Conclusion
Accupril (quinapril) is an ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure, and to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack. It is available in tablet form and is taken orally. Accupril can cause serious side effects, including hypotension, hyperkalemia, and angioedema. It can also interact with other medications, including diuretics, NSAIDs, and potassium supplements. Patients should be aware of the potential side effects and drug interactions of Accupril and should contact their healthcare provider if they experience any signs of liver injury.