Quinapril

Generic name: Quinapril

Drug class: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Dosage forms: Tablet

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 5, 10, 20, 40 mg

Mechanism of action: Quinapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which means it works by blocking the activity of the enzyme ACE. The primary mechanism of action of quinapril is the inhibition of ACE.

Drug usage cases: Quinapril is used in adults alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack. Quinapril is also used in adults together with other medications to treat heart failure.

Drug contra indications: You should not use quinapril if you are allergic to it, or if:

have a history of angioedema; or you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, ramipril, or trandolapril. Do not take quinapril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto). If you have diabetes, do not use quinapril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine). You may also need to avoid taking quinapril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis; heart problems; low blood pressure; high blood levels of potassium (hyperkalemia); if you are on a low-salt diet; low white blood cell counts; diabetes; kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or liver disease.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Quinapril may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

chest pain, fast, slow, or uneven heart rate, a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; heart problems–swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; kidney problems–swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; liver problems–loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abnormal liver function tests; signs of infection–fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding; or high blood potassium–nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

Warnings: You should not use quinapril if you have ever had angioedema. Do not take quinapril within 36 hours before or after taking medicine that contains sacubitril (such as Entresto). If you have diabetes, do not use quinapril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using quinapril and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Quinapril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.