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Accuretic |
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What is Accuretic and why is it prescribed? Accuretic combines two types of blood pressure medication. The first, quinapril hydrochloride, is an ACE inhibitor. It works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form (angiotensin II) that increases salt and water retention in the body and causes the blood vessels to constrict, two actions that tend to increase blood pressure. To aid in clearing excess water from the body, Accuretic also contains hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that promotes production of urine. Diuretics often wash too much potassium out of the body along with the water. However, the ACE inhibitor part of Accuretic tends to keep potassium in the body, thereby canceling this unwanted effect. Accuretic is not used for the initial treatment of high blood pressure. It is saved for later use, when a single blood pressure medication is not sufficient for the job. You must take Accuretic regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Accuretic. You must continue taking Accuretic even if you are feeling well. Accuretic does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Accuretic? Follow your doctors directions for taking Accuretic. You can take Accuretic with or without meals. See your doctor regularly to make sure the drug is working properly without unwanted side effects. Do not stop taking Accuretic without first consulting your doctor. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Accuretic at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Be sure to protect Accuretic from moisture and light. Are there any Accuretic side effects? Accuretic side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Accuretic side effects may include cough, dizziness, and headache. Less common Accuretic side effects may include abdominal pain, back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, fatigue, indigestion, insomnia, muscle aches, nausea and/or vomiting, runny nose, sore throat, stomach pain, upper respiratory infection, vertigo, viral infection, and weakness. Rare Accuretic side effects may include abnormal skin sensations, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, bull's eye rash, crushing chest pain, difficult or labored breathing, dizziness upon standing, dry mouth or throat, extremely high blood pressure, hair loss, heart attack, heart failure, hives, impotence, increased sweating, inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the sinuses, irregular heartbeat, itchy skin, joint pain, kidney failure, nervousness, sensitivity to light, severe allergic reactions, skin blistering or peeling, slow or rapid heartbeat, stroke, and vague feeling of illness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Accuretic? If Accupril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Accuretic with Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), Cholestyramine (Questran), Colestipol (Colestid), Corticosteroids (such as prednisone or ACTH), Diabetes medications (such as insulin or Micronase), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Diuretics (such as HydroDIURIL and Lasix), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Narcotics (such as Percocet), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Naprosyn), Norepinephrine (Levophed), Other high blood pressure medications (such as Aldomet), Potassium-sparing diuretics (such as Aldactone, Dyazide, and Moduretic), Potassium supplements (such as Slow-K and K-Dur), Salt substitutes containing potassium, or Tetracycline (Achromycin V, Sumycin). Alcohol may increase the effect of Accuretic, and could cause dizziness or fainting. Check with your doctor before drinking alcoholic beverages. Are there any special warnings about Accuretic? If you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or of your arms and legs, or have difficulty swallowing or breathing, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment. You may feel light-headed, especially during the first few days of Accuretic therapy. If this occurs, notify your doctor. If you actually faint, stop taking the medication until you have consulted with your doctor. Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can all deplete your body's fluids and cause your blood pressure to drop. If this leads to light-headedness or fainting, you should check with your doctor. Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Accuretic before undergoing surgery or anesthesia. If you develop any type of infection such as a sore throat or fever, contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness. If you are taking Accuretic, your doctor will do a complete assessment of your kidney function and will watch it closely as long as you are taking this drug. If you have kidney disease, Accuretic should be used with caution. Caution is warranted, too, if you have liver disease. If you notice a yellow tinge to your skin and the whites of your eyes, stop taking the drug and notify your doctor. This could be a sign of liver damage. Accuretic may increase your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. It can also trigger gout or the connective tissue disease lupus erythematosus. Use Accuretic cautiously if you have any of these problems. The safety and effectiveness of Accuretic in children have not been established. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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