Accuretic (Quinapril / HCTZ) is a combination medicine used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Quinapril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Quinapril lowers blood pressure and also relieves symptoms of fluid retention. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always use Accuretic as directed by your physician.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

The combination of Quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once or twice a day. Take Accuretic at the same time every day.

Do not stop taking Accuretic without first talking to your doctor.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Always use Accuretic exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before using Accuretic, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking Accuretic and tell your doctor right away.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or quinapril, or if:

• you have a history of angioedema;

• you are unable to urinate;

• you recently took a heart medicine called sacubatril; or

• you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, severe stomach pain, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• eye pain, vision problems;
• swelling, weight gain, shortness of breath;
• sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, trouble swallowing;
• high potassium--nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness, loss of movement;
• low potassium--confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
• low levels of sodium--headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.

Common side effects may include:

• cough;
• headache, dizziness;
• tired feeling; or
• muscle pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline. Information is also available online. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.  

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I avoid while using Accuretic?

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking quinapril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects.