Home » ACE Inhibitors » Quinapril Quinapril belongs to a particular category of drug that is responsible for the treatment of high blood pressure. Among the different types of ACE inhibitors used, Quinapril is prescribed by the physicians for high blood pressure and also for prevention of kidney failure due to diabetes and hypertension. There is an enzyme named, Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which combines with another chemical named Angiotensin to form Angiotensin II , which is responsible for the contraction of blood vessels. Thus narrowing down the arteries only aggravates high blood pressure problem. ACE inhibitors such as Quinapril lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, thus relaxing the blood vessels and consequently increasing the blood flow. Quinapril has been approved by FDA in November, 1991. The brand name is Accupril.

Using Quinapril:
Quinapril are available in preparations of 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg tablets. Quinapril can be used in combination with other drugs or individually for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. Quinapril is also availed when the patient is suffering from kidney failure as well. The prescribed dose for treating hypertension is 10-80 mg a day as a single dose or in two doses. Divided into two doses, Quinapril is prescribed for heart failure as 20-40 mg a day. Empty stomach consumption of Quinapril is not recommended as because food reduces its absorption in the whole process. About Quinapril reactions:
Taking ACE inhibitors like Quinapril with potassium supplements, salt substitutes or diuretics has the ability to increase the potassium in blood thus leading to excessive potassium levels. Thus monitoring potassium levels is a must while ACE inhibitors are used in combination with drugs. Taking Quinapril is not recommended during pregnancy. Since Quinapril is secreted into breast milk it may be harmful for the infant so caution should not be ignored during breast feeding.

Quinapril side effects:
Quinapril is fundamentally well tolerated with mild and transient side effects. Some of the rare side effects are, coughing , abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of taste ,numbness. The most serious and very rare side effects are liver failure and swelling of lips and throat, medically termed as angioedema.