Quinapril-Hydrochlorothiazide

Quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide is a medication that is prescribed for high blood pressure control in adults. The medicine is composed of both an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic. Together, these medications reduce blood pressure levels by helping blood vessels relax and causing a decrease in blood volume. Potential side effects of quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide may include dizziness, headache, and fatigue. The medication is not suitable for everyone, so let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant, have liver disease, or are allergic to any components of quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide.

 

What Is Quinapril-Hydrochlorothiazide?

Quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide (sold under the brand name Accuretic® and also sold generically as Quinaretic™) is a prescription medicine used for controlling high blood pressure in adults. Quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 
Quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click What Is Quinapril-Hydrochlorothiazide Used For? for more information on quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Quinapril-Hydrochlorothiazide?

Quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide is manufactured by Pfizer.
 

How Does Quinapril-Hydrochlorothiazide Work?

Quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two medicines --
 Accupril® (quinapril hydrochloride) and hydrochlorothiazide. Accupril is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short. Accupril helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, Accupril causes blood vessels to relax.
 
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT for short) is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.
 
Because of the effects of both Accupril and hydrochlorothiazide, quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide can lower blood pressure. Also, because of its combined effects, quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;