Quinapril is used on its own or together with other medicines to keep your blood pressure under control. This medicine relaxes your blood vessels and helps to lower your blood pressure.
Quinapril may also be used together with other medicines to treat other conditions such as heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood).
Take Quinapril exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Quinapril must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of swelling of the deep layers of the skin usually around the face, lips, and throat from a previous therapy with a similar medicine
- inherited swelling of the deep layers of the skin or due to an unknown reason
- blood flow problem in the heart
as Quinapril may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Quinapril, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Quinapril.
Do not take Quinapril if you are currently taking or have taken sacubitril (medicine used in combination with valsartan to treat long-term heart failure) or if you are taking other medicines used to treat high blood pressure such as aliskiren if you have diabetes or kidney disease. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- narrowing of the heart valves
- cerebrovascular disease (disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain)
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (abnormally thick heart muscle)
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Quinapril to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are of a Black race, Quinapril may be less effective. Inform your doctor if you are taking this medicine.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Let your doctor know if you are going to undergo other procedures or treatments such as desensitisation (treatment for an allergic reaction) to wasp or bee stings, removal of cholesterol from your blood by a machine (LDL apheresis), or dialysis with high flux membranes.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, complete blood count, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of allergic reactions may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart, and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Quinapril may cause dizziness or weariness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, back pain, difficulty sleeping, ringing in the ears, and cough.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Quinapril with aliskiren if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken sacubitril (medicine used in combination with valsartan to treat long-term heart failure) in the last 36 hours.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. spironolactone, triamterene
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, vildagliptin
- racecadotril (medicine to treat diarrhoea)
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders
- allopurinol (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
- potassium supplements (either as a medicine or as a salt substitute)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Quinapril.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. You may speak with your doctor if you have a drinking problem.
Avoid taking too much food that is high in potassium, such as orange juice, bananas, or prunes.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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