Accuzide Forte

Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide is a dual combination used in the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. These drugs from different categories combine to produce hypotensive effect in the patients having persistent high levels of blood pressure. This is the most popular combination used in the treatment of Hypertension. They are not given in initial treatment of hypertension.

Understating the ailments it is used for:

Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide is given in hypertension as it decreases the work load of the heart. High blood pressure also increases the susceptibility of serious cardiovascular diseases like heart failure, heart attack and angina pectoris.

Understanding the drug Quinapril and  Hydrochlorothiazide

How it works?

Quinapril

Quinapril belongs to the class of ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor). It relaxes the constricted blood vessels and helps heart in pumping the blood more easily. It reduces the post heart attack damage by supplying sufficient oxygen supply. In case of kidney problems, it improves the blood supply in the vessels found in the kidneys and reduces the chance of getting hypertension and diabetes post effects.

Hydrochlorothiazide

It belongs to the class of diuretics. Diuretics remove excess of fluid from the body by increasing the urine production. Hydrochlorothiazide removes salts and water and decreases the fluid circulation in blood vessels. This way, pressure in the blood vessel gets decreased and hypotensive effect is achieved.

When should you avoid it?

You should not take Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide if you:

• Have allergy to  Quinapril and  Hydrochlorothiazide
• Have heart diseases like congestive heart failure
• Have kidney disease
• Drink liver disease
• Have gout
• Have diabetes and asthma
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

How much to take?

Always take the dose as prescribed by the physician. It is very important to consume medicine timely. Various factors are observed before prescribing a disease. Doctor will prescribe best suitable dose for you.

What are the strengths available?

Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide tablets contain the following two strength combinations on the website:

Accuzide Forte 20 mg/12.5 mg

Accuzide Forte 20 mg/25 mg

Who is the manufacturer?

Accuzide Forte is manufactured by Pfizer Inc, a pharmaceutical giant. It is available on our websites in the pack of 28 tablets.

How to take?

You must swallow the whole tablet with one glass full of water. Do not crush or chew it.

When to take?

Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide can be taken once in a day or divided dose can be taken twice a day. It can be taken with or without food a day. It is best to take it at the same time daily because it shows best results and helps to remember when to take the drug. Always take the medicine as instructed by your doctor.

For how long should it be taken?

It is important to take the drug as instructed by your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation of medicine can cause adverse reactions. So before stopping the drug intake, always consult physician first.

What if you take too much (overdose)?

You may need urgent medical attention or you can dial local  poison helpline number if you encounter any unusual symptom due to overdosage

What if you miss the dose?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose then skip the dose and take your next dose on the correct time. Do not double up the dose to compensate for the missed one.

What are the side effects?

All medicines have their side effects, sometimes they are serious but most of the times they are not. Some common side effects are listed below:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Dry cough

Some serious side effects associated with this combination are as follows:

• Tachycardia
• Depression
• Confusion
• Impotency
• Pancreatitis
• Changes in taste receptors

Are there any possible drug interactions?

Always inform your doctor about the drugs you are taking till date. Give a complete list of prescription or non prescription drugs and any other disease conditions. This way, doctor is able to decide and give you the list of drugs and other things that may interact with Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide. Drugs listed below may interact with Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide can hinder its normal functioning:

• Itraconazole
• Enalapril
• Prazosin
• Benzodiazepines
• Dopamine
• Clonidine
• Propranolol
• Levodopa
• Phenelzine
• Methyldopa
• Hydralazine
• Minoxidil
• Nicorandil
• Baclofen
• Glyceryl trinate

What are the things to be taken care of?

• Keep the medicine in a close tight container and out of reach of children
• Don’t use the expired drug
• Keep a complete record of all the medicines you are taking along with this medicine
• If you experience any allergic reaction immediately consult with your doctor
• This medicine can pass into breast milk and may cause harm to the fetal damage
• Don’t exceed the recommended dose