Quinapril

About quinapril

Quinapril works by causing blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. It can be used on its own or alongside other medicines which reduce blood pressure.

Before taking quinapril

Before taking quinapril make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have kidney, liver or heart disease.
• If you suffer from a collagen vascular disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or scleroderma.
• If you are on a salt restricted diet or use salt substitutes which contain potassium.
• If you have cardiomyopathy (cardiac muscle disease) or aortic stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessel from the heart).
• If you have atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty deposits on the walls of arteries).
• If you suffer from peripheral vascular disease (a particular type of poor circulation).
• If you have a history of angioedema (where the face, tongue and throat swell) or have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are having LDL apheresis (the removal of cholesterol from the blood by a machine).
• If you are having desensitisation treatment for bee and wasp stings.
• If you are having dialysis treatment.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take quinapril

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take quinapril exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take quinapril at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably need to have blood tests and blood pressure tests to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Try to avoid drinking too much alcohol as this will affect your blood pressure. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Treatment with quinapril is usually life-long. Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can quinapril cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

• If you experience swelling of the throat, tongue or face, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.
• If you experience chest pain, severe back pain, develop a severe sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), speak with your doctor or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store quinapril

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines