Quinapril/hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)

Introduction:

Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide), Quinapril (KWIN-a-pril)

Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

Quinaretic, Accuretic

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to quinapril, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, or to other blood pressure medicine (such as Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Zestoretic®, Zestril®). You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or if you are unable to urinate.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
  • Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using allopurinol (Purinol®, Zyloprim®), azathioprine (Imuran®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), lithium, diabetes medicine (insulin or oral medicine such as Amaryl®, Actos?, Avandia®, Glipizide®, Glucotrol®, Glucophage®, Glyburide®), medicines that contain potassium (including supplements), pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, Advil®, Aleve®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, Voltaren®), steroids, tetracycline, or other blood pressure medicines.
  • Do not use salt substitutes or low-salt milk without asking your doctor.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, gout, or lupus.
  • Tell your doctor about any allergic reaction you have ever had to any drug, especially if the reaction caused you to have swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, problems urinating, nausea or vomiting
  • Fever, chills, or sore throat
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Diarrhea or stomach upset
  • Dry cough
  • Increase in how much or how often you urinate
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tiredness
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