Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide are combined together in this medicine. This medicine helps keep your blood pressure under control.
Quinapril helps your blood pressure to go down by relaxing the blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide removes excess water and salts from the body by passing them into the urine. This reduces the amount of water in the body and thus reduces the blood pressure.
Take Quinapril + Hydrochlorothiazide 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 + Hydrochlorothiazide 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 schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Quinapril + Hydrochlorothiazide if you ever had an allergic reaction (swollen extremities, face and throat; difficulty swallowing or breathing, rashes) due to similar medicines (e.g. captopril), an unknown reason or family history.
Alert your doctor if you are unable to pass urine as this medicine 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 this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Quinapril + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not take Quinapril + Hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren (medicine to help keep blood pressure under control) if you have diabetes.
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken sacubitril, a medicine to help keep blood pressure under control, in the last 36 hours.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- electrolyte imbalance (imbalance of minerals in the body)
- immune system diseases affecting collagen
- diabetes
- gout
- heart disease e.g. narrowing of the valves of the heart
- kidney disease e.g. narrowing of the blood vessels in the kidneys
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
If you are to undergo dialysis, apheresis (a procedure which involves separation of components of the blood), surgery or certain laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
For as long as you are taking Quinapril + Hydrochlorothiazide, you may need to have regular monitoring of your blood pressure to check your body’s response to the medicine. You may also need to have regular blood tests for your body’s electrolyte levels and kidney function. Your doctor will advise you how often you need to have them.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity (e.g. walking) 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 kick your smoking habit.
Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up.
Quinapril + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
You may also feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking Quinapril + Hydrochlorothiazide for the very first time. This is common and should improve gradually as you get used to this medicine. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position. If you are taking Quinapril + Hydrochlorothiazide for the very first time, take the first dose of this medicine at bedtime to minimise dizziness.
Other side effects may include any of the following: headache, weakness, tiredness, muscle pain or cramps, chest pain, palpitations, joint pain and swelling, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain or discomfort.
This medicine may also cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors. Avoid direct or prolonged exposure to the sun and ultraviolet (UV) lamps like tanning beds.
Being dehydrated can lead to dizziness and possible fainting. Avoid too much sweating and drink enough water.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- swollen extremities, face and throat; difficulty swallowing or breathing, rashes
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, stomach pain
- eye pain, blurring of vision
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
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 + Hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren (medicine to help keep blood pressure under control) if you have diabetes.
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken sacubitril, a medicine to help keep blood pressure under control, in the last 36 hours.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other diuretics (water pills) e.g. amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, triamterene
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. aspirin
- medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- medicines for gout e.g. allopurinol
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. cholestyramine
- medicines used in certain immune disorders e.g. corticosteroids
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Quinapril + Hydrochlorothiazide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Speak to your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Do not take potassium supplements. Avoid taking too much food that is high in potassium, such as orange juice, bananas or prunes. Do not use salt substitutes that contain potassium.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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