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 to treat other conditions such as heart failure.
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.
This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. 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 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 previously experience a serious allergic reaction which causes swelling of the face and throat due to an unknown reason or a family history, as Quinapril may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant.
Do not take Quinapril with aliskiren (medicine used to treat high blood pressure) if you have diabetes.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
-heart disease such as narrowing of the valves of the heart
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-immune system diseases affecting collagen
-diabetes
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery or dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Quinapril.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may also need to do routine blood tests when you are taking Quinapril.
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 may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert. If you are taking this medicine for the very first time, take the first dose of Quinapril at bedtime to minimise dizziness.
You may also feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the very first time. This is common and should improve gradually as you get used to the medicine. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other common side effects include any of the following: dry cough, tiredness, headache, rash, muscle pain, diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- swelling of hands, legs, face, or mouth
- difficulty in breathing
- chest pain
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- 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 with aliskiren (medicine used to treat high blood pressure) if you have diabetes.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicine for mood disorders e.g. lithium
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. doxazosin, prazosin, hydralazine
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, indometacin, celecoxib
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, metformin, glibenlamide, gliclazide, glipizide
- potassium supplements (either as a medicine or a as a salt substitute)
- antibiotics e.g. tetracycline
- medicines for heart diseases e.g. nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate
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 medicine, 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. Speak to your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Speak to your doctor if you have a drinking problem.
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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