as reported by "The PDR® Family Guide To Prescription Drugs®"
Why is this drug prescribed:
Accupril is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It can be taken alone or in
combination with a thiazide type of diuretic such as HydroDIURIL. Accupril is in a family
of drugs known as ``ACE inhibitors.'' It works by
preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more
potent form that increases salt and water retention in your body. Accupril also enhances
blood flow throughout your blood vessels. Drugs such as Accupril are sometimes prescribed
in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Special warnings about this medication:
If you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or of your arms and
legs, or have difficulty swallowing or breathing, you should contact your doctor
immediately. You may need emergency treatment.
You may feel light-headed, especially during the first few
days of Accupril therapy. If this occurs, notify your doctor. If you actually faint, stop
taking the medication until you have consulted with your doctor.
Vomiting, diarrhea, and heavy perspiration can all deplete
your body fluid; and dehydration can cause your blood pressure to drop. If this leads to
light-headedness or fainting, you should check with your doctor.
Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Accupril
before undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes
containing potassium without consulting your doctor.
If you develop a sore throat or fever contact your doctor
immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness.
If you are taking Accupril, your doctor will do a complete
assessment of your kidney function and will watch it closely as long as you are taking
this drug.
If you notice a yellow tinge to your skin and the whites of
your eyes, stop taking the drug and notify your doctor immediately. This could be a sign
of liver damage.
Most important fact about this drug:
You must take Accupril regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure
declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Accupril;
and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Accupril does not cure high
blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
More common accupril side effects may include:
Dizziness, headache
Less common accupril side effects may include: Abdominal pain, coughing, fatigue, nausea, vomiting
Rare accupril side effects may include: Angina (severe chest pain), back pain, bleeding in the stomach or
intestines, bronchitis, changes in heart rhythm, constipation, depression, dimmed vision,
dizziness when first standing up, dry mouth or throat, extremely high blood pressure,
fainting, heart attack, heart failure, high potassium, increased blood pressure, increased
sweating, inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the sinuses, itching, kidney
failure, nervousness, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, sensitivity to light, severe allergic
reactions, skin peeling, sleepiness, sore throat, stroke, swelling of the mouth and
throat, vague feeling of illness, vertigo
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REFERENCE®", and PDR® are registered trademarks owned by Medical Economics.
