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Quinapril

Pronounced

"KWIN-uh-prill"

Common brand names:

Accupril

Uses

Quinapril is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication is also used to treat heart failure. Quinapril belongs to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used for kidney disease and to help protect the kidneys from harm due to diabetes.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking quinapril and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day. High-fat meals may decrease the absorption of this medication.

To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 1 to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. For the treatment of heart failure, it may take weeks to months before you get the full benefit of this medication.

This product contains magnesium which may interfere with the absorption of some medications. See the Drug Interactions section and consult your pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).