Accuretic is a prescription drug used to treat symptoms of chronic high blood pressure, including fluid retention. The medication contains two primary ingredients: quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide. Quinapril helps to dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow, while hydrochlorothiazide flushes salt and fluid from the body to relieve swelling. Accuretic is a potent drug that carries some health risks, so it is important to talk to a doctor about medical history and current medication use to make sure it is safe. Most patients who follow their doctors' instructions respond well to the drug and do not experience major side effects.
Quinapril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Many blood pressure problems result from the over-activity of ACE in the body, which causes blood vessels to constrict. Quinapril slows or stops the production of ACE, allowing vessels to relax and expand. The other main ingredient in Accuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, is a diuretic that increases urine output. It helps to prevent salt absorption, thus reducing fluid retention and swelling in the extremities.
Before taking Accuretic, patients typically undergo thorough physical exams and blood tests to determine if it is a good option for treatment. Doctors avoid giving the drug to people who are pregnant, nursing, very young, or have histories of kidney or liver problems to avoid potential complications. A medical history review is important to ensure a patient is not allergic to ACE inhibitors or chemicals in diuretic medications.
Most people are instructed to take single daily doses of Accuretic by mouth with a full glass of water. The drug promotes frequent urination, so patients are typically told not to take it near bedtime to avoid having to wake up and use the bathroom. Potential short-term side effects include headache, fatigue, upset stomach, and coughing, which are usually mild and temporary. More serious reactions such as muscle aches, chills, high fevers, and skin rashes may occur as well. It is important to call a doctor whenever side effects become severe or persist for more than a few hours.
A doctor may suggest attending regular checkups while taking Accuretic to make sure it is effective. The physician may decide to increase or decrease dosage amounts, depending on the results of blood pressure tests. In order to achieve the best results from high blood pressure treatment, patients may also be instructed to make dietary and lifestyle changes, such as exercising more and avoiding tobacco products. Most people start to show significant improvement in their symptoms within the first month of taking Accuretic.
