What is this medication for?
Quinapril - hydrochlorothiazide is a combination product that contains two medications to treat high blood pressure. Quinapril belongs to a class of medications called ACE inhibitors and helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of medications called diuretics, or water pills, which help control blood pressure by getting rid of excess salt and water.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Accuretic® is available as:
- tablets
- 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide and 10 mg of quinapril
- 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide and 20 mg of quinapril
- 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide and 20 mg of quinapril
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Once the dose of each component (quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide) that best controls your blood pressure has been determined, the combination tablets can be started. The recommended dose of the combination tablets depends on the doses of the individual components. It may take up to two weeks to see full effects of the medication.
This medication can be taken with or without food. Lower doses may be used for people who take other medications that lower blood pressure (e.g., diuretics) or for people who have kidney disease. It may take up to two weeks to see full effects of the medication.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Quinapril - hydrochlorothiazide should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to quinapril or hydrochlorothiazide or any of the ingredients of the medication
- is allergic to sulfa (sulfonamide) medications
- has had angioedema (a serious allergic reaction which causes the area around the throat and tongue to swell) after taking any ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, ramipril)
- is unable to urinate
