Quinapril
About Quinapril
Quinapril is an anti-hypertensive medicine primarily used in the treatment of Hypertension. It also helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and angina (chest pain). Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a serious condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the artery walls becomes high. This hardens the heart to pump blood.
Quinapril contains Quinapril, which belongs to the class of Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing the production of certain substances responsible for increased blood pressure. Thus, it allows the blood to flow more smoothly, makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body, and lowers blood pressure.
Quinapril may cause certain common side effects such as cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, chest pain, stomach pain, tiredness, and hoarseness. These side effects do not require medical attention and usually resolve after some time. However, if these side effects persist, consult your doctor. Take Quinapril in the dose and for the duration prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. Always remember not to take more than the prescribed dose.
Avoid taking Quinapril if you are allergic to it. Please consult your doctor if an allergic reaction occurs. Quinapril should be used with caution if you have/had any conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, and peripheral oedema (swelling of hands/legs). Frequent monitoring of blood pressure is important while taking this medicine. It is not recommended to take this medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, consult your doctor. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Quinapril is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Uses of Quinapril
Medicinal Benefits
Quinapril contains Quinapril, which belongs to the Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors class. It works by reducing the production of certain substances that cause an increase in blood pressure. It allows the blood to flow more smoothly and makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. Quinapril helps reduce high BP and the risk of heart attack, stroke and angina (chest pain).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Quinapril
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Cough
- Hoarseness
- Drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Chest pain
Drug Warnings
Quinapril should not be used if you are allergic to it. Let your doctor know about your complete medical history and medication history, including herbs and supplements. This can help reduce many adverse effects. Quinapril should be used with caution if you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, hyperkalemia, angioedema, cough, a recent history of any surgery, and peripheral oedema (swelling of hands/legs). In some patients, this medicine may cause head and neck angioedema, hypotension, hepatic failure, and neutropenia. Hence, avoid consumption of alcohol during the treatment as it can worsen the condition. Quinapril is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established. This medicine is contraindicated for use in pregnant women as it can cause fetal harm. Hence, let your doctor know if you are pregnant. Quinapril should be stopped as soon as a pregnancy is detected. It is unknown whether Quinapril can be given to breastfeeding mothers. Hence, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before starting treatment.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Quinapril may have interaction with heart failure medicines (sacubitril, valsartan), NSAIDs (aspirin, naproxen, indomethacin, ibuprofen), drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction (sildenafil), anti-gout medicines (allopurinol), anti-diabetic medicines (sitagliptin, metformin, insulin glargine), medicines used to treat oedema (furosemide), anti-hypertensive medication (aliskiren), medicines to treat depression (lithium), potassium supplements.
Drug-Drug Interactions: Avoid consuming potassium-rich foods such as potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Drug-Drug Interactions: Quinapril may have interactions with angioedema (swelling), congestive heart failure (heart problems), angioedema, low blood pressure, liver disease and kidney dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeDo not consume alcohol while taking this medicine as it may worsen the side effects like dizziness and also increase blood pressure.
Pregnancy
unsafeQuinapril is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Quinapril. Treatment with this medicine should be stopped as soon as a pregnancy is detected.
Breast Feeding
cautionQuinapril is excreted in breast milk. Generally, use is not recommended. However, if you are a breastfeeding woman, consult your doctor before using Quinapril.
Driving
unsafeDo not drive or operate machinery while using Quinapril as it may cause drowsiness. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionIt is not known how Quinapril affects patients with liver disease. However, if you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Quinapril.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Quinapril. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeQuinapril is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established for this age group.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try to maintain your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9.
- Doing regular physical activity or exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week can help you lower your raised blood pressure.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies and low-fat dairy products.
- Reduce the intake of table salt in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day for better results.
- Quitting smoking and alcohol consumption is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
- Avoid chronic stress, as it can raise your blood pressure.
- Monitor your blood pressure daily, and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
Special Advise
- Sudden withdrawal may worsen angina (chest pain). However, if you experience chest pain, consult your doctor immediately.
- Frequent monitoring of blood pressure is important while taking this medicine.
- Abnormal liver tests must be reported to the doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: Also called high blood pressure, is a serious condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the artery walls becomes high. This hardens the heart to pump blood. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina), heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked), stroke (brain damage) and kidney failure. Quinapril is used in treating hypertension and thus helps reduce further risk. The blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor called a sphygmomanometer.
FAQs
Quinapril is used to treat Hypertension.
Quinapril contains Quinapril, which belongs to the Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors class. It works by reducing the production of certain substances that cause an increase in blood pressure. This allows the blood to flow more smoothly and makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body.
It is advised to continue your medicine even after your blood pressure is controlled or becomes normal, as it can shoot up at any time. If you have a persistent headache, please consult your doctor immediately.
It is advised not to miss any dose of Quinapril. However, if you forget to take a dose of Quinapril, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. Do not double the dose, as it may lead to low blood pressure.
Quinapril should be taken as advised by your doctor. Quinapril can be taken with or without food, but taking it at the same time daily ensures consistent absorption and better results. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Quinapril causes side effects such as headache, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, cough, drowsiness, loss of appetite, tiredness, and chest pain. Most of these are temporary and do not require any medical attention, as they will gradually reduce over time. Please, contact a doctor if these persist for longer durations.
You are not recommended to stop taking Quinapril even if you feel better, as you may experience severe complications such as raised blood pressure and chances of stroke or heart attack. However, contact a doctor if you have any concerns.
Quinapril may make you feel dizzy, particularly when standing up quickly. To manage this, you are recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Quinapril, as it may cause excessive dizziness. If the dizziness continues or becomes more severe, contact your healthcare provider to assess your treatment and make any necessary adjustments.
While taking Quinapril, maintain a healthy weight with a BMI of 19.5-24.9. Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes most days. Eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy and try to limit salt intake to 2300 mg per day. Avoid smoking and alcohol, manage stress, and monitor your blood pressure regularly. Consult your doctor, if you have any concerns.
Quinapril may increase potassium levels, particularly in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, kidney issues, dehydration, or those using potassium supplements or other medications that raise potassium. If you have any of these conditions while taking Quinapril, it is important to monitor potassium levels through regular blood tests.
If you experience a persistent dry cough after starting Quinapril, it is important to consult your doctor. A dry cough can be a common side effect of Quinapril, and your doctor may adjust your treatment or suggest ways to manage the symptoms. Do not discontinue Quinapril without your doctor’s advice.
There is no evidence to recommend that Quinapril affects fertility. However, if you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor, as it is not recommended during pregnancy.
