Quinapril is an angiotensin converting enzyme, more commonly referred to as an ACE inhibitor, prescribed to patients that have high blood pressure and heart failure. The most common use for this drug is to treat hypertension, which is high blood pressure. This medication has a substantial value within the medical field, but as with all medications, it has some warnings and side effects that go along with it. Many patients who take Quinapril do not have any problems with it, but others do, so it is important to be aware of them so that the person afflicted with these conditions can watch for them to appear.
There are specific situations in which Quinapril will not be prescribed, such as if the patient is allergic to it, or allergic to any other type of ACE inhibitor. Patients who are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are also not prescribed this medication because it has been shown to cause birth defects. Other medical conditions can also make this an inappropriate drug, such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease and diabetes. In some cases this ACE inhibitor will still be prescribed, but only after some tests are completed to verify that it will not cause any further complications with an existing condition.
While on Quinapril, patients should avoid the substances that can increase complications. Alcohol in any form should be avoided because it will further decrease blood pressure, making it drop to a dangerously low level. Patients should avoid salt substitutes and potassium supplements unless otherwise specified by the doctor. The prescribing doctor should be fully aware of any medications, prescribed or over the counter, that are being taken. This allows the doctor to evaluate the possible side effects and how well the drug will work.
There are many side effects that can be obtained from using Quinapril. Some of them are minor and not cause for concern, such as muscle pain, drowsiness, nausea, and mild skin rashes. Side effects such as chest pains, fevers, rapid weight gain, or jaundice are signs that a harmful reaction is occurring and a doctor should be consulted immediately. There are other drug induced side effects that may accompany the use of this medication, but the doctor and the pharmacist will go over what needs to be watched for, and what is considered normal. If in doubt, a doctor should be immediately consulted about any side effects.