Quinaprilum
Quinaprilum Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Quinaprilum is a brand name. Its generic name is Quinapril.
Introduction
Quinaprilum is an oral medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also used off-label to prevent heart attacks. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.Uses For
Quinaprilum is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.Mechanism of Action
Quinaprilum works by blocking the action of certain chemicals in the body that cause blood vessels to tighten and raise blood pressure. By doing so, it causes the blood vessels to relax and the blood pressure to drop. This ultimately helps to improve blood circulation to the heart and other organs.How Long Does It Take to Work?
Quinaprilum usually begins to work within 1-2 weeks of starting treatment, however it can take longer for some patients.Absorption
Quinaprilum is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The peak blood concentrations are reached about 1 hour after ingestion.Route of Elimination
Quinaprilum is eliminated primarily through the kidneys. About 80% of the drug is eliminated unchanged in the urine within 24 hours.Dosage
The usual starting dose of Quinaprilum is 10-20 mg per day, usually taken as a single dose in the morning. The dose may be increased as needed up to a maximum of 40 mg per day. The dose should not exceed 40 mg per day.Administration
Quinaprilum should be taken orally, with or without food, usually once a day. The capsule should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.Side Effects
Commmon side effects of quinapril may include: dizziness, headache, fatigue, cough, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, or changes in taste.Toxicity
Quinaprilum is generally well tolerated in doses up to 40 mg per day. Overdose may result in tiredness, dizziness, and low blood pressure.Precautions
Before using Quinaprilum, tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, or allergies. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor may need to monitor you carefully while you are taking this medication.Interaction
Quinaprilum may interact with other medications, including diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, lithium, and other ACE inhibitors. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you are taking.Disease Interaction
Quinaprilum may interact with certain diseases such as heart failure, renal disease, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases.Drug Interaction
This drug may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you are taking.Food Interactions
Quinaprilum should be taken with or without food. Do not take this drug with high-fat meals.Pregnancy Use
Quinaprilum should not be used in pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk.Lactation Use
It is not known if Quinaprilum is excreted in breast milk. Therefore, caution should be used when taking this medication while breastfeeding.Acute Overdose
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: dizziness, tiredness, nausea, and low blood pressure. If you suspect an overdose, immediate medical attention should be sought.Contraindication
Quinaprilum is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug, hypersensitivity to any other ACE inhibitor, and those with a history of angioedema induced by any ACE inhibitor.Use Direction
Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Quinaprilum. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less Quinaprilum than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.Storage Condition
Store at room temperature and keep out of the reach of children.Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Quinaprilum is approximately 21 L/kg.Half Life
The elimination half-life of Quinaprilum is 13 hours.Clearance
The systemic clearance of Quinaprilum is 4.7 mL/min/kg.Here you find in details version of Quinaprilum
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Quinaprilum
What is Quinaprilum?
Quinaprilum is an ACE inhibitor medication that is usually given to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
What are the benefits of using Quinaprilum?
Quinaprilum is beneficial in that it can help lower high blood pressure, prevent further damage to the heart, and reduce symptoms of congestive heart failure.
How does Quinaprilum work?
Quinaprilum works to decrease angiotensin II production, which causes blood vessels to constrict. With the narrowing of the vessels, blood pressure increases, which can result in damage to the heart, if left unchecked.
How is Quinaprilum used?
Quinaprilum is usually taken once or twice daily. When taking Quinaprilum, it should be taken consistently, at the same times each day and with meals, to reduce stomach upset.
What are the side effects of Quinaprilum?
The most common side effects of Quinaprilum include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and diarrhea. Other more serious side effects include swelling of the face, extremities, or tongue; or skin rash or itching.
Is Quinaprilum safe to use during pregnancy?
Quinaprilum is not recommended to be used during pregnancy due to its ability to cross the placenta. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant before taking Quinaprilum.
Is Quinaprilum safe to use while nursing?
It is not recommended to take Quinaprilum while nursing. Quinaprilum and its metabolites likely will be present in breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing infant.
Are there any foods to avoid while taking Quinaprilum?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking Quinaprilum due to their ability to interact with the drug and increase the risk of side effects.
Should I stop taking Quinaprilum if I develop a rash?
If you notice a rash, you should stop taking Quinaprilum and speak with your doctor about any other medications you may need. A rash may be a symptom of a more serious, allergic reaction that could be life-threatening.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Quinaprilum?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose and continue taking your medication as scheduled.
Can I take Quinaprilum with other medications?
It is possible to take Quinaprilum with other medications, but you should always consult with your doctor first to avoid any potentially harmful drug interactions. Do not take any medication while taking Quinaprilum without first speaking with your doctor.
What should I do if I experience a severe allergic reaction while taking Quinaprilum?
If you have any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, seek medical attention immediately.
Is Quinaprilum habit-forming?
Quinaprilum is not habit-forming. It is important to take it as prescribed and never take more than the amount recommended by your doctor.
Are there any over-the-counter medications I should avoid while taking Quinaprilum?
You should avoid taking any over-the-counter medications that contain potassium, as potassium levels can become dangerously high when taken with Quinaprilum. Other medications to avoid include aspirin, certain antibiotics, diuretics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Does Quinaprilum help reduce cholesterol?
Quinaprilum can reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. However, it should not be used as a substitute for cholesterol-lowering medications.
How long does it take for Quinaprilum to take effect?
It can take up to a few weeks for the full effects of Quinaprilum to be seen. You should continue to take your medication as prescribed and monitor your blood pressure regularly to see if it is being controlled.
Can Quinaprilum be taken with other blood pressure medications?
Quinaprilum can be taken in combination with other blood pressure medications, if necessary. Side effects may be more likely to occur when taking more than one medication, so be sure to speak with your doctor before taking any other blood pressure medications along with Quinaprilum.
Can I take Quinaprilum with other heart medications?
Yes, but before taking any other medication with Quinaprilum, it is important to speak with your doctor to ensure that the medications are compatible and to minimize the risk of any potential side effects.
Should I take Quinaprilum with food?
It is best to take Quinaprilum with food, as it can help reduce stomach upset. You should take it consistently at the same times each day, preferably with meals.
Can Quinaprilum interact with alcohol?
When taken with alcohol, Quinaprilum can cause lightheadedness, intense drowsiness, and even fainting. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption(more than 1 drink) while taking Quinaprilum.
Does Quinaprilum cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a possible side effect of Quinaprilum, although it is not considered a common side effect. Be sure to monitor any changes in your weight and speak with your doctor if you experience weight gain while taking Quinaprilum.
Are there any long-term side effects associated with taking Quinaprilum?
The most common long-term side effects of Quinaprilum can include decreased kidney function, decreased blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels. Be sure to regularly monitor your health if you are taking Quinaprilum for an extended period of time.
Can Quinaprilum cause dehydration?
Dehydration is a possible side effect of Quinaprilum, particularly if taking other medications that have diuretic effects. Make sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids while taking Quinaprilum.
Is it safe to take Quinaprilum with vitamins or supplements?
Before taking any vitamins or supplements while taking Quinaprilum, consult with your doctor to ensure that they are compatible and to minimize the risk of any potential side effects.
Does Quinaprilum lower blood pressure immediately?
No, Quinaprilum usually takes several weeks before its effects on blood pressure are seen. It is important to continue taking your medication as prescribed and to regularly monitor your blood pressure.
Can Quinaprilum treat other conditions besides high blood pressure and congestive heart failure?
No, Quinaprilum is not approved to treat any other medical condition and should not be taken for any other purpose than what it was prescribed for.
What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to Quinaprilum?
If you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction to Quinaprilum, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or tongue, seek medical attention immediately.
Are there any activities, such as exercise or heavy lifting, that I should avoid while taking Quinaprilum?
It is best to avoid any strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or exercise, while taking Quinaprilum. If you do engage in any of these activities, make sure to monitor your blood pressure and speak with your doctor if you experience any symptoms of low blood pressure.
Can I take Quinaprilum with antacids?
Yes, Quinaprilum can be taken with antacids. Be sure to take Quinaprilum and antacids at least 2 hours apart or as instructed by your doctor.
Does Quinaprilum cause drowsiness?
Although not common, drowsiness can be a side effect of Quinaprilum. If you experience drowsiness while taking Quinaprilum, speak with your doctor about adjusting your dosage.
Can Quinaprilum cause an increase in heart rate?
An increased heart rate is not a side effect of Quinaprilum, however do not stop taking your medication if your heart rate increases. Speak with your doctor immediately if you experience any changes in your heart rate while taking Quinaprilum.
Can Quinaprilum interact with other drugs, such as birth control?
Yes, Quinaprilum may interact with other drugs, including some birth control pills. Consult with your doctor before taking any medications while taking Quinaprilum.
Can I take Quinaprilum if I have kidney disease?
If you have kidney disease, it is important to speak with your doctor before taking Quinaprilum. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may suggest an alternative medication.
What should I do if I experience chest pain while taking Quinaprilum?
If you experience chest pain, seek medical attention immediately as it could be a sign of a serious, underlying condition. Contact your doctor if you experience chest pain while taking Quinaprilum.
What should I do if I experience an irregular heartbeat while taking Quinaprilum?
If you experience an irregular or rapid heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately. Contact your doctor if you experience any changes in your heart rate while taking Quinaprilum.
Can Quinaprilum be used to treat hypertension?
Yes, Quinaprilum is usually prescribed to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure. It is important to take as prescribed and regularly monitor your blood pressure to ensure that it is being controlled.
Can Quinaprilum cause kidney damage?
Long-term use of Quinaprilum can potentially lead to decreased kidney function. Therefore, it is important to take as prescribed and regularly monitor your kidney function if you are taking Quinaprilum for an extended period of time.
Does Quinaprilum have to be taken for the rest of my life?
That depends on your particular condition and your doctor’s recommendation. If prescribed a long-term course of Quinaprilum, it is important to stay consistent with your medication and regularly monitor your health.
Can Quinaprilum cause dry mouth?
It is not a common side effect, but it is possible for Quinaprilum to cause dry mouth. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking Quinaprilum and speak to your doctor if you experience dry mouth.
Can Quinaprilum cause joint pain?
Joint pain is a possible side effect of Quinaprilum and should be reported to your doctor. If you experience joint pain while taking Quinaprilum, speak with your doctor about adjustments to your medication.
Does Quinaprilum interact with any other medications?
Yes, Quinaprilum can interact with other medications and should not be taken with certain antibiotics, pain relievers, diuretics, anti-seizure medications, or other ACE inhibitors. Speak with your doctor before taking Quinaprilum with any other medications.