Consumer medicine information

Quinapril Sandoz Tablets

Quinapril

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Quinapril Sandoz Tablets

Active ingredient

Quinapril

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Quinapril Sandoz Tablets.

WHAT IS IN THIS LEAFLET

This leaflet answers some common questions about Quinapril Sandoz. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risk of you taking Quinapril Sandoz against the benefits it is expected to have for you.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine.

You may want to read it again.

WHAT QUINAPRIL SANDOZ IS USED FOR

The name of your medicine is Quinapril Sandoz. It contains the active ingredient quinapril hydrochloride.

This medicine is used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to treat heart failure.

Hypertension
Quinapril Sandoz is used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension). Everyone has blood pressure. This pressure helps get your blood all around your body. Your blood pressure may be different at different times of the day, depending on how busy or worried you are. You have hypertension (high blood pressure) when your blood pressure stays higher than is needed, even when you are calm and relaxed.

There are usually no symptoms of hypertension. The only way of knowing that you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. If high blood pressure is not treated it can lead to serious health problems, including stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.

Heart Failure
Heart failure means that the heart muscle is weak and cannot pump blood strongly enough to supply all the blood needed throughout the body. Heart failure is not the same as heart attack and does not mean that the heart stops. Heart failure may start off with no symptoms, but as the condition progresses, patients may feel short of breath or may get tired easily after light physical activity such as walking. Some patients may wake up short of breath at night. Fluid may collect in different parts of the body, often first noticed as swollen ankles and feet.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

Your doctor may have prescribed Quinapril Sandoz for another reason.

How Quinapril Sandoz works

Quinapril Sandoz belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

It works by widening your blood vessels, which reduces pressure in the vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This helps increase the supply of oxygen to your heart, so that when you place extra demands on your heart, such as during exercise, your heart may cope better and you may not get short of breath as easily.

There is no evidence that this medicine is addictive.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

BEFORE YOU TAKE QUINAPRIL SANDOZ

When you must not take it

Do not take Quinapril Sandoz if:

  • you are allergic to the active ingredient or any of the inactive ingredients mentioned at the end of this leaflet under Product Description.
    Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Quinapril Sandoz may include skin rash, itchiness, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, muscle pain or tenderness or joint pain.
  • you have taken any other 'ACE inhibitor' medicine before, which caused your face, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet to swell up, or made it hard for you to breathe.
    If you have had an allergic reaction to an ACE inhibitor before, you may be allergic to Quinapril Sandoz.
  • you have a history of swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet for no apparent reason
  • you have kidney problems or a condition called 'renal artery stenosis'
  • you have regular dialysis for blood filtration. You may experience an allergic reaction.
  • it is past its expiry date or the packaging appears to have been tampered with
  • you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
    Quinapril Sandoz may enter your womb and affect your baby if you are taking it during pregnancy.
  • you are breastfeeding. Quinapril Sandoz may pass into the breast milk and affect your breast-fed baby.

If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to take it

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to:

  • any other medicines, especially if they are in the same drug class as quinapril hydrochloride
  • any other substances, including foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your doctor if you have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:

  • kidney problems, or are having dialysis
  • liver problems
  • heart problems
  • low blood pressure, which you may notice as dizziness or light-headedness
  • diabetes
  • high levels of potassium in your blood. 

You must also tell your doctor if you:

  • have a family history of swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet
  • are following a very low salt diet
  • are about to receive desensitisation therapy for an allergy
  • are about to have surgery or a general anaesthetic
  • are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start taking Quinapril Sandoz.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicine, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

In particular, tell your doctor if you take any of the following:

  • other medicines used to treat high blood pressure
  • diuretics, also known as fluid or water tablets
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis
  • potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes
  • lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and some types of depression
  • tetracycline antibiotics.

These medicines may be affected by Quinapril Sandoz, or may affect how well it works. You may need to use different amounts of your medicine, or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you.

HOW TO TAKE QUINAPRIL SANDOZ

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how many tablets you will need to take each day. This depends on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.

If you do not understand the instructions on the box, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

For high blood pressure
For most patients, not on diuretics, the usual starting dose is 5mg to 10mg taken once a day. The dose may need to be increased depending on your blood pressure at an interval of 4 weeks. Most patients take between 10mg and 40mg each day.

This dose may be taken once a day or divided into two equal doses per day.

For heart failure
The usual starting dose is 5mg taken once a day. In most patients, effective doses are between 10mg and 20mg a day. Your doctor will advise whether the dose is to be taken as a single dose or as two separate doses.

Swallow Quinapril Sandoz whole with a full glass of water.

Do not chew the tablets.

Quinapril Sandoz 5mg and 20mg tablets are breakable.
If you need to break Quinapril Sandoz 5mg or 20mg, hold tablet with both hands and snap along break line.

Take Quinapril Sandoz at about the same time each day.

Taking your tablets at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take the tablets.

Take Quinapril Sandoz before meals.

Food with a high fat content may interfere with the absorption of Quinapril Sandoz.

Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.

Quinapril Sandoz helps control your condition, but does not cure it. Therefore you must take Quinapril Sandoz every day.

If you forget to take your dose

Take your dose as soon as you remember, and continue to take it as you would normally.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you take too much

Immediately telephone your doctor, or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else has taken too much Quinapril Sandoz.

Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

If you take too much Quinapril Sandoz, you may feel light-headed, dizzy or you may faint.

WHILE YOU ARE USING QUINAPRIL SANDOZ

Things you must do

  • Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Quinapril Sandoz.
  • If you are about to start taking a new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Quinapril Sandoz.
  • Make sure you drink enough water during exercise and hot weather when you are taking Quinapril Sandoz, especially if you sweat a lot. If you do not drink enough water while taking Quinapril Sandoz, you may feel faint, light-headed or sick. This is because your blood pressure is dropping suddenly. If you continue to feel unwell, tell your doctor.
  • If you have excess vomiting or diarrhoea while taking Quinapril Sandoz, tell your doctor. You may lose too much water and salt and your blood pressure may drop too much.
  • If you feel light-headed or dizzy after taking your first dose of Quinapril Sandoz, or when your dose is increased, tell your doctor immediately. This is especially important if you are taking Quinapril Sandoz for heart failure.
  • If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Quinapril Sandoz. Your blood pressure may drop suddenly.
  • If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking Quinapril Sandoz. Quinapril Sandoz may interfere with the results of some tests.
  • Have your blood pressure checked when your doctor says, to make sure Quinapril Sandoz is working.
  • Go to your doctor regularly for a check-up. Your doctor may occasionally do a blood test to check your potassium levels and see how your kidneys are working.

Things you must not do

  • Do not stop taking Quinapril Sandoz, or lower the dosage, without your doctor's permission.
  • Do not use Quinapril Sandoz to treat any other complaint unless your doctor says so.
  • Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.

Things to be careful of

If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint when getting out of bed or standing up, get up slowly. Standing up slowly, especially when you get up from bed or chairs, will help your body get used to the change in position and blood pressure. If this problem continues or gets worse, talk to your doctor.

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Quinapril Sandoz affects you.

As with other ACE inhibitor medicines, Quinapril Sandoz may cause dizziness, light-headedness or tiredness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to Quinapril Sandoz before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or light-headed. If this occurs do not drive. If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.

SIDE EFFECTS

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Quinapril Sandoz.

All medicines can have unwanted effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

  • feeling light-headed, dizzy or faint because your blood pressure is too low
  • dry cough
  • headache
  • feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • diarrhoea
  • constipation
  • aching, tender or weak muscles not caused by exercise
  • unusual tiredness or weakness, fatigue
  • feelings of deep sadness and unworthiness (depression)
  • difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or strange dreams
  • hallucinations
  • hair loss or thinning
  • dry mouth or throat
  • taste disturbances or loss of taste
  • confusion or nervousness
  • back pain
  • rash
  • difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection.

These are the more common side effects of Quinapril Sandoz. Mostly, these are mild and short-lived.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • disturbed vision
  • symptoms of sunburn (such as redness, itching, swelling, blistering) which may occur more quickly than normal
  • itchy, raised or red skin rash
  • fast or irregular heart beat
  • shortness of breath or tightness in the chest
  • signs of worrying or frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
  • severe upper stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting
  • passing little or no urine
  • bleeding or bruising more easily than normal.

These may be serious side effects of Quinapril Sandoz. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.

If any of the following happen, stop taking Quinapril Sandoz and tell your doctor immediately, or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:

  • swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
  • fainting within a few hours of taking a dose
  • sudden onset of stomach pains or cramps with or without nausea or vomiting
  • severe flaking or peeling of the skin
  • severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
  • chest pain.

These are very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. All of these side effects are very rare.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.

Tell your doctor if you notice any other effects.

AFTER USING QUINAPRIL SANDOZ

Storage

Keep Quinapril Sandoz in the original packaging until you need to take it.

Store below 25°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children.

Do not store it or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car on hot days.

Disposal

Return any unused or out of date medicine to your pharmacist.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

What Quinapril Sandoz looks like

  • Quinapril Sandoz 5mg tablets are beige coloured, oval shaped, scored, film-coated tablets coded "G" on one side and "QP|5" on the other side. Available in blister packs of 30 tablets.
  • Quinapril Sandoz 20mg tablets are beige coloured, round, scored, film-coated tablets coded "G" on one side and "QP|20" on the other side. Available in blister packs of 30 tablets.

Ingredients

Active Ingredient

  • Each Quinapril Sandoz 5mg tablet contains 5mg quinapril as quinapril hydrochloride.
  • Each Quinapril Sandoz 20mg tablet contains 20mg quinapril as quinapril hydrochloride.

Inactive Ingredients
Each Quinapril Sandoz tablet also contains lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, light magnesium oxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, hypromellose, macrogol 400, polysorbate 80, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide black.

Supplier

Quinapril Sandoz is supplied in Australia by:
Sandoz Pty Ltd
ABN 60 075 449 553
19 Harris Street
Pyrmont NSW 2009
Australia
Tel: 1800 634 500

This leaflet was revised in February 2012. 

Australian Register Numbers
Quinapril Sandoz 5mg tablets: AUST R 117218 (blisters)
Quinapril Sandoz 20mg tablets: AUST R 117226 (blisters)

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Quinapril Sandoz Tablets

Active ingredient

Quinapril

Schedule

S4

 

Name of the medicine

Quinapril hydrochloride.

Excipients

Lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, light magnesium oxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, hypromellose, macrogol 400, polysorbate 80, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide black.

Description

Chemical name: 2-(S)-[N-[[1-ethoxycarbonyl3-phenylpropyl]-(S)-alanyl]-1,2,3,4- tetrahydro-3-(S)-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid, monohydrochloride. Molecular formula: C25H30N2O5.HCl. MW: 475.0. CAS: 82586-55-8.
Quinapril hydrochloride is a white to off white amorphous powder that is freely soluble in aqueous solvents. The drug molecule contains three chiral centres but is present as the pure S-S-S-stereoisomer.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics.

Quinapril is de-esterified to the principal metabolite, quinaprilat, which is an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in human subjects and animals. ACE is a peptidyl dipeptidase that catalyses the conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. The effect of quinapril in hypertension appears to result primarily from the inhibition of circulating and tissue ACE activity, thereby reducing angiotensin II formation. Quinapril inhibits the elevation in blood pressure caused by intravenously administered angiotensin I, but has no effect on the pressor response to angiotensin II, noradrenaline or adrenaline. Angiotensin II also stimulates the secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex, thereby facilitating renal sodium and fluid reabsorption. Reduced aldosterone secretion by quinapril may result in a small increase in serum potassium. In controlled hypertension trials, treatment with quinapril alone resulted in mean increases in potassium of 0.07 mmol/L (see Precautions). Removal of angiotensin II negative feedback on renin secretion leads to increased plasma renin activity (PRA).
Quinapril has been shown to be effective in the treatment of congestive heart failure and hypertension. While the principal mechanism of the antihypertensive effect is thought to be through the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, quinapril exerts antihypertensive actions even in patients with low renin hypertension. Quinapril was an effective antihypertensive in all races studied, although it was somewhat less effective in the black population (usually a predominantly low renin group) than in the nonblack population. ACE is identical to kininase II, an enzyme that degrades bradykinin, a potent peptide vasodilator. Bradykinin acts on bradykinin receptors in the vascular endothelium to promote the release of the vasodilators such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin. Whether increased levels of bradykinin play a role in the therapeutic effect of quinapril remains to be elucidated.
ACE inhibitors, including quinapril, may enhance insulin sensitivity.

Endothelial dysfunction.

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with hypertension and heart failure and is considered an important pathophysiological mechanism in cardiovascular disease. Quinapril has been shown to improve endothelium dependent vasomotor function by mechanisms leading to increased availability of nitric oxide. The clinical significance of improving endothelial function has not yet been established.
In patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA function class III) (n = 40), intra-arterial infusion of quinaprilat 1.6 microgram/minute (n = 15) significantly increased endothelium mediated flow dependent dilation (FDD) in the radial artery by > 40% (change in FDD: quinapril = 10.2 +/- 0.6% versus control = 6.9 +/- 0.6%; p < 0.01). In a six month placebo controlled trial (n = 105), normotensive patients, with and without a history of hypertension, who were free of left ventricular dysfunction and severe dyslipidaemia and who required percutaneous coronary artery revascularisation, were treated with quinapril 40 mg daily (n = 51). There was an endothelium dependent reduction of acetylcholine induced intra-arterial vasoconstriction of the coronary arteries (4.5 +/- 3.0% and 12.1 +/- 3.0% at 10-6 and 10-4 mol/L respectively; overall p = 0.002) (TREND study). Flow mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery was significantly increased to 9.1% from a baseline of 7.3% (change in FMD: 1.8 +/- 1.0%; p < 0.02) in patients with coronary artery disease treated with quinapril 20 mg daily (n = 56) for eight weeks in a partial block, crossover, blinded study of 80 patients comparing the effect of four antihypertensives on brachial flow mediated vasodilation (BANFF study).

Clinical effects.

Single doses of quinapril 20 mg provide over 80% inhibition of plasma ACE for 24 hours. Inhibition of the pressor response to angiotensin I is shorter lived, with a 20 mg dose giving 75% inhibition for about four hours, 50% inhibition for about eight hours and 20% inhibition at 24 hours. With chronic dosing, however, there is substantial inhibition of angiotensin II levels at 24 hours with doses of 20 to 80 mg.

Hypertension.

Administration of quinapril 10 to 40 mg to patients with essential hypertension results in a reduction of both sitting and standing blood pressure with minimal effect on heart rate. Antihypertensive activity commences within one hour with peak effects usually achieved by two to four hours after dosing. Achievement of maximum blood pressure lowering effects may require two weeks of therapy in some patients. At the recommended doses, antihypertensive effects are maintained throughout the 24 hour dosing interval and continue during long-term therapy with no evidence of tolerance.
Haemodynamic assessments in patients with hypertension indicate that blood pressure reduction produced by quinapril is accompanied by a reduction in total peripheral resistance and renal vascular resistance with little or no change in heart rate, cardiac index, renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate or filtration fraction.
Use of quinapril with a thiazide diuretic gives a blood pressure lowering effect greater than that seen with either agent alone.
In patients with hypertension, quinapril 10 to 40 mg was similar in effectiveness to captopril, enalapril, propranolol and thiazide diuretics.
Therapeutic effects appear to be the same for elderly (greater than or equal to 65 years of age) and younger adult patients given the same daily dosages, with no increase in adverse events in elderly patients.

Heart failure.

When compared with placebo therapy, quinapril administration to patients with congestive heart failure in most controlled studies has prolonged exercise time only modestly, or not at all. On the other hand, the cessation of quinapril therapy in patients stabilised on this therapy together with diuretic therapy has been shown to result in progressive clinical deterioration in the control of heart failure. While some short-term placebo controlled studies have demonstrated significant improvements in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class with quinapril therapy, other studies have not. In longer term but controlled studies, more consistent improvements in NYHA functional class with quinapril therapy have been demonstrated. There is a lack of data to support an improved prognosis in congestive heart failure. The effects of quinapril on long-term mortality in heart failure have not been evaluated.

Pharmacokinetics.

The pharmacokinetics of quinapril and quinaprilat are linear over a single dose range of 5 to 80 mg doses and 40 to 160 mg in multiple daily doses.

Absorption.

Following oral administration, peak plasma quinapril concentrations are observed within one hour. Based on recovery of quinapril and its metabolites in urine, the extent of absorption is at least 60%. The rate and extent of quinapril absorption are diminished moderately (approximately 25 to 30%) when Quinapril Sandoz tablets are administered during a high fat meal.
After single oral administration of 2 x Quinapril Sandoz 20 mg tablets to healthy male and female adults, the mean peak plasma concentration of quinapril and quinaprilat (principal active metabolite) was 426.9 nanogram/mL and 1316.7 nanogram/mL, respectively, and the mean AUC0-∞ was 426.2 nanogram.hour/mL and 4093.5 nanogram.hour/mL, respectively.

Distribution.

Approximately 97% of either quinapril or quinaprilat circulating in plasma is bound to proteins.

Metabolism.

Following absorption, quinapril is de-esterified to its major active metabolite, quinaprilat (about 38% of oral dose) and to other minor inactive metabolites. Following multiple oral dosing of quinapril, there is an effective accumulation half-life of quinaprilat of approximately three hours, and peak plasma quinaprilat concentrations are observed approximately two hours postdose.

Excretion.

Quinaprilat is eliminated primarily by renal excretion, up to 96% of an intravenous dose. It has an apparent elimination half-life in plasma of approximately two hours representing the clearance of the free quinaprilat from the plasma and a prolonged terminal phase with a half-life of 25 hours thought to reflect the slow release of quinaprilat from ACE.

Renal impairment.

In patients with renal insufficiency, the elimination half-life of quinaprilat increases as creatinine clearance decreases. There is a linear correlation between plasma quinaprilat clearance and creatinine clearance. In patients with end stage renal disease, chronic haemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis has little effect on the elimination of quinapril and quinaprilat. A study in 20 patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance 12 to 119 mL/minute/1.73 m2) showed alterations in both quinapril and quinaprilat pharmacokinetics.. The Cmax and area under the curve (AUC) for quinapril were greater in patients with renal impairment and the elimination half-life tended to be longer. However, these changes were small and probably not clinically important. The pharmacokinetic data for quinaprilat were markedly different. Cmax, AUC and the elimination half-life all increased as renal impairment became greater. When the creatinine clearance was below 40 mL/minute/1.73 m2, trough levels of quinaprilat were markedly increased. The elimination half-life increased from two to four hours as creatinine clearance fell from 120 to 40 mL/minute/1.73 m2 and increased further to 12 to 14 hours when creatinine was 12 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Thus if a person has a creatinine clearance below 40 mL/minute/1.73 m2, then it is likely that quinaprilat will accumulate and quinapril therapy should be started at a low dose and gradually titrated upward. If creatinine clearance is greater than 40 mL/minute/1.73 m2, quinapril and quinaprilat are unlikely to accumulate.

Hepatic impairment.

The elimination half-life of quinapril was found to have doubled in patients with hepatic impairment from alcoholic cirrhosis when compared to age matched healthy volunteers. This indicates that liver metabolism is an important facet of quinapril metabolism. There was no alteration in the elimination half-life of quinaprilat probably because renal excretion is its principal route of elimination. The plasma quinaprilat levels were however lower than in matched controls. These results suggested that not only the rate but the extent of the conversion of quinapril to quinaprilat was impaired. Particularly in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency there may be a reduction in efficacy of quinapril due to failure of conversion to the active metabolite. Quinaprilat concentrations are reduced in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis due to impaired de-esterification of quinapril.

Cardiac impairment.

The presence of mild to moderate congestive heart failure per se appears to have minimal effect on the pharmacokinetics of quinaprilat, except in so far that CHF may be associated with renal failure. Dosing of quinapril in patients with congestive heart failure should be based on their renal function.

Elderly patients.

Elimination of quinaprilat is reduced in elderly patients (greater than or equal to 65 years); this reduction is attributable to a decrease in renal function (see Dosage and Administration), and not to age itself.

Other.

Studies in rats indicate that quinapril and its metabolites do not cross the blood brain barrier.

Indications

Hypertension.

Treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics. Sufficient data have not been provided to support the use of Quinapril Sandoz in renovascular hypertension.

Congestive heart failure.

Adjunctive treatment of mild to moderate congestive heart failure when given concomitantly with a diuretic and/or cardiac glycoside.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to this product.
History of hereditary and/or idiopathic angioedema or angioedema associated with previous treatment with an ACE inhibitor.
Severe renal artery stenosis.
Patients haemodialysed using high flux polyacrylonitrile (AN69) membranes. These patients are likely to experience anaphylactoid reactions if they are treated with ACE inhibitors. This combination should therefore not be used. In such patients, the use of either alternative antihypertensive drugs or alternative membranes (e.g. cuprophane or polysulfone (PSF)) for haemodialysis is recommended.
Pregnancy (see Precautions, Use in pregnancy). Women who intend to become pregnant, or of childbearing potential unless on an effective contraceptive and highly unlikely to conceive.

Precautions

Use with caution in the following circumstances.

Angioedema.

Since 1984, severe life threatening angioedema has been reported with most of the ACE inhibitors. The overall incidence with some of the ACE inhibitors is approximately 0.1 to 0.2%. The aetiology is thought to be nonimmunogenic and may be related to accentuated bradykinin activity. Usually the angioedema is nonpitting oedema of the skin, mucous membranes or subcutaneous tissue.
The onset of angioedema associated with the use of ACE inhibitors may be delayed for weeks or months. Patients may have multiple episodes of angioedema with long symptom free intervals. Angioedema may occur with or without urticaria.
Angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. In such cases the product should be promptly discontinued and the patient carefully observed until the swelling disappears. In instances where swelling is confined to the face and lips, the condition generally resolves without treatment although antihistamines have been useful in relieving symptoms. Angioedema associated with laryngeal oedema can be fatal or near fatal. There seems to be no difference in the incidence of angioedema in patients of either sex or in those with heart failure or hypertension. In the majority of reported cases the symptoms occurred during the first week of therapy.
In USA studies, black patients receiving ACE inhibitor monotherapy have been reported to have a higher incidence of angioedema compared to nonblacks. It should also be noted that in controlled clinical trials conducted in Europe and North America, ACE inhibitors have an effect on blood pressure that is less in black patients than in nonblacks.

Intestinal angioedema.

Intestinal angioedema has been reported in patients treated with ACE inhibitors. These patients presented with abdominal pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); in some cases there has been no prior history of facial oedema and C-1 esterase levels were normal. The angioedema was diagnosed by procedures including abdominal CT scan or ultrasound, or at surgery, and symptoms resolved after stopping the ACE inhibitor. Intestinal angioedema should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients on ACE inhibitors presenting with abdominal pain.
Patients with a history of angioedema unrelated to ACE inhibitor therapy may be at increased risk of angioedema while receiving an ACE inhibitor.
There are reports where switching to another ACE inhibitor was followed by recurrence of oedema and others where it was not. Because of the potential severity of this rare event, another ACE inhibitor should not be used in patients with a history of angioedema to a drug of this class (see Contraindications). Where involvement of the tongue, glottis or larynx is likely to cause airway obstruction, appropriate therapy (including adrenaline and oxygen administration) should be carried out promptly or the patient hospitalised. Medical therapy of progressive angioedema should be aggressive. Failing a rapid response, oral/ nasal intubation or securing an airway by surgical means (e.g. cricothyrotomy or tracheostomy) may be necessary followed by mechanical ventilation. Patients who respond to medical treatment should be observed carefully for a possible rebound phenomenon.

Hypotension.

Hypotension may occur in patients commencing treatment with ACE inhibitors. Excessive hypotension is rarely seen in uncomplicated hypertensive patients but is a possible consequence of use in patients with impaired renal function, in salt/ volume depleted patients such as patients with renovascular hypertension, vomiting or diarrhoea, those treated vigorously with diuretics or patients undergoing dialysis (see Interactions with Other Medicines and Adverse Effects). In patients with severe congestive heart failure with or without associated renal insufficiency, excessive hypotension has been observed. This may be associated with syncope, neurological deficits, oliguria and/or progressive azotaemia, but rarely with acute renal failure and/or death. Because of the potential fall in blood pressure in these patients, therapy should be started at low doses under very close supervision. Such patients should be followed closely for the first two weeks of treatment and whenever the dosage is increased, or diuretic therapy is commenced or increased.
Similar considerations may apply to patients with ischaemic heart or cerebrovascular disease in whom an excessive fall in blood pressure could result in myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident. In all high risk patients, it is advisable to initiate treatment at lower dosages than those usually recommended for uncomplicated patients.
If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in a supine position and, if necessary, receive an intravenous infusion of normal saline. A transient hypotensive response is not a contraindication to further doses which usually can be given without difficulty once the blood pressure has increased after volume expansion.
Patients already receiving a diuretic when Quinapril Sandoz is initiated can develop symptomatic hypotension. In these patients it is important, if possible, to stop the diuretic for two to three days before starting Quinapril Sandoz. If blood pressure is not controlled with Quinapril Sandoz alone, the diuretic should be resumed. If it is not possible to withdraw diuretic therapy, begin Quinapril Sandoz at a low initial dose.

Anaphylactoid reactions during desensitisation.

Patients receiving ACE inhibitors during desensitising treatment with Hymenoptera venom have sustained life threatening anaphylactoid reactions. In the same patients, these reactions have been avoided when ACE inhibitors were temporarily withheld, but they have reappeared upon inadvertent rechallenge.

Anaphylactoid reactions during LDL apheresis.

Patients undergoing low density lipoprotein apheresis with dextran sulfate absorption when treated concomitantly with an ACE inhibitor, have reported anaphylactoid reactions.

Anaphylactoid reactions during haemodialysis.

Clinical evidence has shown that patients haemodialysed using certain high flux membranes (such as polyacrylonitrile membranes) are likely to experience anaphylactoid reactions with concomitant ACE inhibitor treatment. This combination should therefore not be used (see Contraindications). The use of either alternative antihypertensive drugs, or alternative membranes for haemodialysis is recommended.

Cough.

Cough has been reported with the use of ACE inhibitors, including quinapril. Characteristically, the cough is persistent, dry, nonproductive and resolves after discontinuation of therapy. The frequency of reports has been increasing since cough was first recognised as a side effect of ACE inhibitor therapy. In various studies, the incidence of cough varies between 2 and 15% depending on the drug, dosage and duration of use. ACE inhibitor induced cough should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of cough.
The cough is often worse when lying down or at night, and has been reported more frequently in women (who account for two-thirds of the reported cases). Patients who cough may have increased bronchial reactivity compared to those who do not. The observed higher frequency of this side effect in nonsmokers may be due to a higher level of tolerance in smokers to cough.
The cough is most likely due to stimulation of the pulmonary cough reflex by kinins (bradykinin) and/or prostaglandins which accumulate because of ACE inhibition. Once a patient has developed intolerable cough, an attempt may be made to switch the patient to another ACE inhibitor; the reaction may recur but this is not invariably the case. A change to another class of drugs may be required in severe cases.

Hypoglycaemia and diabetes.

ACE inhibitors have been associated with hypoglycaemia in diabetic patients on insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents. Closer monitoring of diabetic patients may be required.

Hyperkalaemia and potassium sparing diuretics.

ACE inhibitors decrease the formation of angiotensin II, which results in decreased production of aldosterone and an increase in serum potassium levels (> 5.5 mEq/L). Hyperkalaemia is more likely in patients with some degree of renal impairment, those treated with potassium sparing diuretics or potassium supplements and/or consuming potassium containing salt substitutes. Diabetic patients and elderly patients, particularly, may be at increased risk of hyperkalaemia. In some patients, hyponatraemia may coexist with hyperkalaemia. It is recommended that patients undergoing ACE inhibitor treatment should have serum electrolytes (including potassium, sodium and urea) measured from time to time (see Interactions with Other Medicines). This is more important in patients taking diuretics.

Neutropenia/ agranulocytosis.

Agranulocytosis and bone marrow depression (including leucopenia/ neutropenia) have been reported with ACE inhibitors. These have mostly occurred in patients with pre-existing impaired renal function, collagen vascular disease, immunosuppressant therapy or a combination of these complicating factors. Most episodes of leucopenia and neutropenia have been single, transient occurrences without any associated clinical symptoms. In addition, data to establish a causal relationship are currently lacking.
It is recommended that periodic monitoring of white blood cell counts should be considered in patients with collagen vascular disease, renal disease (serum creatinine greater than or equal to 180 micromol/L) and those on multiple drug therapy with agents known to be nephrotoxic or myelosuppressive.

Dermatological reactions.

Dermatological reactions characterised by maculopapular pruritic rashes and sometimes photosensitivity have been reported rarely with ACE inhibitors. Rare and sometimes severe skin reactions (e.g. lichenoid eruptions, psoriasis, pemphigus-like rash, rosacea, Stevens-Johnson syndrome) have also been reported. A causal relationship is difficult to assess.
A cutaneous reaction to one ACE inhibitor may not occur with another drug of the same class. There have, however, been reports of cross reactivity.

Taste disturbance (dysgeusia).

The incidence of taste disturbance was reported to be high (up to 12.5%) with high doses of one ACE inhibitor, but the overall incidence for the class is probably low (< 0.5%). However, the relevant data are scarce and difficult to interpret.
Taste disturbance has been described as a suppression of taste or a metallic sensation in the mouth. The dysgeusia usually occurs in the first few weeks of treatment and may disappear within one to three months despite continued treatment.

Surgery/ anaesthesia.

In patients undergoing major surgery or who require anaesthesia, hypotension due to anaesthetic agents may be greater in patients receiving ACE inhibitors because of interference with compensatory mechanisms associated with the renin angiotensin system. If perioperative hypotension occurs, volume expansion would be required.

Valvular stenosis.

Patients with aortic stenosis are at a particular risk of decreased coronary perfusion and hypotension when treated with vasodilators. Vasodilators may tend to drop diastolic pressure, and hence coronary perfusion pressure, without producing the concomitant reduction in myocardial oxygen demand that normally accompanies vasodilatation. The true clinical importance of this concern is uncertain. Nevertheless, ACE inhibitors should be avoided in such patients.

Impaired renal function.

As a consequence of inhibiting the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, changes in renal function may be anticipated in susceptible individuals. In patients with severe heart failure whose renal function may depend on the activity of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, treatment with ACE inhibitors, including Quinapril Sandoz, may be associated with oliguria and/or progressive azotaemia and, rarely, acute renal failure and/or death.
In clinical studies in hypertensive patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine have been observed in 20% of patients. These increases were usually reversible upon discontinuation of the ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors should not be used in patients with known or suspected renal artery stenosis (see Contraindications). When an ACE inhibitor is given to a patient with stenosis of the renal artery supplying a solitary kidney or with bilateral renal artery stenosis, acute renal insufficiency may occur. ACE inhibition may also cause a decrease in renal function in patients with stenosis of the artery supplying a transplanted kidney. It is believed that renal artery stenosis reduces the pressure in the afferent glomerular arteriole, and transglomerular hydrostatic pressure is then maintained by angiotensin II induced constriction of the efferent arteriole. When an ACE inhibitor is given, the efferent arteriole relaxes, glomerular filtration pressure falls and renal failure may result. The thrombotic occlusion of a stenosed renal artery can be precipitated by ACE inhibitors.
The half-life of quinaprilat is prolonged as creatinine clearance falls. Patients with a creatinine clearance of < 60 mL/min require a lower initial dosage of quinapril (see Dosage and Administration). These patients' dosage should be titrated upwards based upon therapeutic response, and renal function should be closely monitored although initial studies do not indicate that quinapril produces further deterioration in renal function.
In people with a creatinine clearance < 40 mL/minute/1.73 m2, quinaprilat did accumulate but not as much as would be suggested by the increased half-life (2.2 hours to 12 hours) implying that alternative methods of removal become important. Some hypertensive or heart failure patients with no apparent pre-existing renovascular disease have developed increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, which is usually minor and transient. This is more likely to occur in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or in those taking diuretics. Dosage reduction of the ACE inhibitor and/or discontinuation of the diuretic may be required.
Evaluation of hypertensive patients should always include assessment of renal function (see Dosage and Administration). If a deterioration in renal function has occurred after treatment with one ACE inhibitor, then it is likely to be precipitated by another and in these patients usage of another class of antihypertensive agent would be preferable. Patients with unilateral renal artery disease present a special problem as deterioration of renal function may not be apparent from measurement of blood urea and serum creatinine.
Some ACE inhibitors have been associated with the occurrence of proteinuria (up to 0.7%) and/or decline in renal function in patients with one or more of the following characteristics: old age, pre-existing renal disease, concomitant treatment with potassium sparing diuretics or high doses of other diuretics, limited cardiac reserve or treatment with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Evaluation of hypertensive patients should always include assessment of renal function (see Dosage and Administration).

Impaired hepatic function.

Hepatitis or hepatic failure have been seen rarely in clinical trials with quinapril; however, hepatitis (hepatocellular and/or cholestatic) and elevations of liver enzymes and/or serum bilirubin have occurred during therapy with other ACE inhibitors in patients with or without pre-existing liver abnormalities. In most cases the changes were reversed on discontinuation of the drug. In patients with hepatic impairment from alcoholic cirrhosis, it has been shown that the half-life of quinapril was doubled in comparison to age matched controlled volunteers. This indicates that liver metabolism is an important facet of quinapril metabolism. There was no alteration in the half-life of quinaprilat probably because renal excretion is its principal method of removal. The plasma quinaprilat levels were however lower than matched controls. The results suggested that not only the rate but also the extent of the conversion of quinapril to quinaprilat was impaired. Particularly in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency, there may be a reduction in efficacy of quinapril due to failure of conversion to the active metabolite.
Quinapril when combined with a diuretic should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function or progressive liver disease since minor alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma.

Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility.

At least one other ACE inhibitor has caused an increase in the incidence of oxyphilic renal tubular cells and oncocytomas in rats. The potential of ACE inhibitors to cause this effect in humans is unknown. Moreover, the progression of oxyphilic cells to oncocytomas is rare in humans and, when it does occur, it is considered to be benign. Quinapril hydrochloride was not carcinogenic in mice or rats when given in doses up to 75 or 100 mg/kg/day for 104 weeks. Female rats given the highest dose level have an increased incidence of mesenteric lymph node haemangiomas and skin/ subcutaneous lipomas. Neither quinapril nor quinaprilat are mutagenic in the Ames bacterial assay with or without metabolic activation. Quinapril was also negative in the following genetic toxicological studies: in vitro mammalian cell point mutation; sister chromatid exchange in cultured mammalian cells; micronucleus test with mice; in vitro chromosome aberration with V79 cultured lung cells and an in vivo cytogenetic study with rat bone marrow. There were no adverse effects on fertility or reproduction in rats at oral doses up to 100 mg/kg/day.

Use in pregnancy.

(Category D)
As with all ACE inhibitors, Quinapril Sandoz is contraindicated in pregnancy (see Contraindications). Pregnancy should be excluded before starting treatment with Quinapril Sandoz and avoided during the treatment.
If a patient intends to become pregnant, treatment with ACE inhibitors must be discontinued and replaced by another form of treatment.
When pregnancy is detected, the ACE inhibitor should be discontinued as soon as possible, the doctor must be immediately informed to discuss a change in medication and arrangements for further care should be made. Monitoring of the foetal development should be performed on a regular basis.
A historical cohort study in over 29,000 infants born to nondiabetic mothers has shown 2.7 times higher risk for congenital malformations in infants exposed to any ACE inhibitor during 1st trimester compared to no exposure. The risk ratios for cardiovascular and central nervous system malformations were 3.7 times (95% confidence interval 1.89 to 7.3) and 4.4 times (95% confidence interval 1.37 to 14.02) respectively, compared to no exposure.
Data show that quinapril crosses the human placenta. Postmarketing experience with all ACE inhibitors suggests that exposure in utero may be associated with hypotension and decreased renal perfusion in the foetus. ACE inhibitors have been associated with foetal death in utero. Adverse effects appear to be most likely in the second and third trimesters.
Infants exposed to ACE inhibitors during pregnancy may be at an increased risk for malformations of the cardiovascular system and central nervous system. There have also been reports of prematurity, hypotension, renal system disorders (including renal failure), skull hypoplasia, limb contractures, craniofacial deformities, hypoplastic lung development, intrauterine growth retardation, patent ductus arteriosus, foetal death and/or death in the newborn in association with the maternal use of ACE inhibitors.
Oligohydramnios has also been reported, presumably resulting from the decreased foetal renal function; oligohydramnios has been associated with foetal limb contractures, craniofacial deformities, hypoplastic lung development and intrauterine growth retardation.
A patient who becomes pregnant while taking ACE inhibitors should be apprised of the potential hazard to her foetus. Patients and doctors should be aware, however, that oligohydramnios may not appear until after the foetus has sustained irreversible injury. When oligohydramnios is found, ACE inhibitors should be discontinued.
Infants with a history of in utero exposure to ACE inhibitors should be closely observed for hypotension, oliguria and hyperkalaemia. If such complications occur, attention should be directed toward support of blood pressure and renal perfusion. Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis have little effect on the elimination of quinapril and quinaprilat.

Use in lactation.

ACE inhibitors, including quinapril, are secreted in human milk to a limited extent. Because of the potential for serious reactions in breastfed infants, Quinapril Sandoz should not be given to a breastfeeding mother.

Use in children.

The safety and effectiveness of Quinapril Sandoz in children have not been established.

Use in the elderly.

Elderly patients exhibited increased area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) and peak levels for quinaprilat compared to values observed in younger patients; this appeared to relate to decreased renal function rather than to age itself. In controlled and uncontrolled studies of Quinapril Sandoz where 918 (21%) patients were 65 years and older, no overall differences in effectiveness or safety were observed between older and younger patients. However, greater sensitivity of some older individual patients cannot be ruled out.

Effect on ability to drive or operate machinery.

The ability to engage in activities such as operating machinery or operating a motor vehicle may be impaired, especially when initiating Quinapril Sandoz therapy.

Interactions

Concomitant diuretic therapy.

When a diuretic is added to the therapy of a patient receiving an ACE inhibitor, the antihypertensive effect is usually additive. Patients on diuretics, especially those on recently instituted diuretic therapy or those with intravascular volume depletion, may occasionally experience an excessive reduction of blood pressure after initiation of therapy with Quinapril Sandoz. The possibility of hypotensive effects with Quinapril Sandoz may be minimised by discontinuing the diuretic and ensuring adequate hydration and salt intake prior to initiation of treatment with Quinapril Sandoz. If it is not possible to discontinue the diuretic, the starting dose of Quinapril Sandoz should be reduced and the patient closely observed for several hours following the initial dose of the ACE inhibitor and until the blood pressure has stabilised (see Dosage and Administration).

Agents increasing serum potassium.

Quinapril Sandoz can attenuate potassium loss caused by thiazide diuretics and increase serum potassium when used alone. The concomitant therapy of an ACE inhibitor with a potassium sparing diuretic (e.g. spironolactone, triamterene or amiloride), potassium supplement or potassium containing salt substitute can increase the risk of hyperkalaemia. Therefore if coadministration is indicated they should be used with caution and the patient's serum potassium should be monitored frequently.

Tetracycline and other drugs that interact with magnesium.

Simultaneous administration of tetracycline with quinapril reduced the absorption of tetracycline by approximately 28 to 37%, possibly due to the magnesium content in Quinapril Sandoz tablets. This interaction should be considered if coprescribing Quinapril Sandoz and tetracycline or other drugs that interact with magnesium.

Lithium.

Increased serum lithium and symptoms of lithium toxicity have been reported in patients receiving lithium concomitantly with drugs that cause elimination of sodium, including ACE inhibitors. These drugs should be coadministered with caution and frequent monitoring of serum lithium levels is recommended. If a diuretic is also used, the risk of lithium toxicity may be increased.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

NSAIDs with prostaglandin synthetase inhibitory properties (e.g. indomethacin) may diminish the antihypertensive efficacy of concomitantly administered ACE inhibitors.

Combination use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists, anti-inflammatory drugs and thiazide diuretics.

The use of an ACE inhibiting drug (ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor antagonist), an anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID or COX-2 inhibitor) and a thiazide diuretic at the same time increases the risk of renal impairment. This includes use in fixed combination products containing more than one class of drug. Combined use of these medications should be accompanied by increased monitoring of serum creatinine, particularly at the institution of the combination. The combination of drugs from these three classes should be used with caution particularly in elderly patients or those with pre-existing renal impairment.

Agents affecting sympathetic activity.

Agents affecting sympathetic activity (e.g. ganglionic blocking agents or adrenergic neuron blocking agents) may be used with caution. Beta-adrenergic blocking drugs will increase the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors, and therefore the patient will need to be closely supervised.

Other agents.

Drug interaction studies of quinapril with other agents showed multiple dose therapy with propranolol or cimetidine has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of single doses of quinapril; the anticoagulant effect of a single dose of warfarin (measured by prothrombin time) was not significantly changed by quinapril coadministration twice daily; quinapril treatment did not affect the pharmacokinetics of digoxin; no pharmacokinetic interaction was observed when single doses of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide were administered concomitantly.

Adverse Effects

Hypertension.

Quinapril has been evaluated for safety in 4,960 subjects and patients and was well tolerated. Of these, 3,203 patients, including 655 elderly patients, participated in controlled clinical trials. Quinapril has been evaluated for long-term safety in over 1,400 patients treated for one year or more.
Adverse experiences were usually mild and transient in nature. Discontinuation of therapy because of adverse events was required in 4.7% of patients in placebo controlled hypertension trials.
Adverse experiences probably or possibly related to therapy or of unknown relationship to therapy occurring in 1% or more of the 1,563 patients in placebo controlled hypertension trials who were treated with Quinapril are shown in Table 1.

Heart failure.

Quinapril has been evaluated for safety in 1,222 quinapril treated patients. Of these, 632 patients participated in controlled trials. In placebo controlled trials, discontinuation of therapy because of adverse events was required in 6.8% of patients with congestive heart failure.
Adverse experiences probably or possibly related or of unknown relationship to therapy occurring in 1% or more of the 585 patients in placebo controlled congestive heart failure trials who were treated with quinapril are shown in Table 2.

Cough.

See Precautions, Cough.

Hypertension and/or heart failure.

Clinical adverse experiences probably, possibly or definitely related, or of uncertain relationship to therapy occurring in 0.5 to less than or equal to 1.0% (except as noted) of the patients with congestive heart failure or hypertension treated with quinapril (with or without concomitant diuretic) in controlled or uncontrolled trials (n = 4,847) and less frequent, clinically significant events seen in clinical trials or postmarketing experience are listed below by body system.

Body as a whole.

Anaphylactoid reaction, photosensitivity reaction.

Cardiovascular.

Palpitations, vasodilatation, tachycardia, heart failure, hyperkalaemia, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, hypertensive crisis, angina pectoris, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac rhythm disturbances, cardiogenic shock, syncope.

Gastrointestinal.

Flatulence, dry mouth or throat, constipation, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, pancreatitis, abnormal liver function tests, hepatitis.

Haematological.

Thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, agranulocytosis.

Nervous/ psychiatric.

Somnolence, insomnia, vertigo, nervousness, depression, confusion, dream abnormality and hallucinations.

Integumentary.

Increased perspiration, pruritus, exfoliative dermatitis, dermatopolymyositis, alopecia, pemphigus, rash.

Urogenital.

Urinary tract infection, impotence, acute renal failure, worsening renal failure.

Respiratory.

Eosinophilic pneumonitis.

Congenital, familial, and genetic disorders.

See Contraindications and Precautions, Use in pregnancy.

Other.

Amblyopia, oedema (peripheral and generalised), arthralgia, pharyngitis.

Angioedema.

Angioedema (0.1%) was reported in patients receiving quinapril. Angioedema associated with laryngeal oedema may be fatal. If angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx occurs, treatment with Quinapril Sandoz should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted immediately (see Precautions).

Laboratory findings.

Haematology.

See Precautions.

Hyperkalaemia.

See Precautions.

Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen.

Increases (> 1.25 times the upper limit of normal) in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were observed in 2 and 2%, respectively, of patients treated with quinapril alone. Increases are more likely to occur in patients receiving concomitant diuretic therapy than in those on quinapril alone. These increases often reversed on continued therapy.

Dosage and Administration

Quinapril Sandoz should preferably be taken before meals, as food with a high fat content may diminish the rate and extent of absorption of the drug.
Quinapril Sandoz 5 mg and 20 mg tablets are breakable.
If Quinapril Sandoz 5 mg or 20 mg needs to be broken, hold tablet with both hands and snap along break line.
If a dosage of 10 mg quinapril needs to be taken, take two tablets of 5mg strength (i.e. 2 x Quinapril Sandoz 5 mg tablets).

Hypertension.

Monotherapy.

The recommended initial dosage of Quinapril Sandoz in patients not on diuretics is 5 to 10 mg once daily. Dosage should be adjusted according to blood pressure response measured at peak (two to six hours after dosing) and trough (predosing). Generally, dosage adjustments should be made at intervals of at least four weeks. Most patients have required dosages of 10 to 40 mg/day, given as a single dose or in two equally divided doses. In some patients treated once daily, the antihypertensive effect may diminish toward the end of the dosing interval. In such patients, an increase in dosage or twice daily administration may be warranted. When a dose of 20 mg/day is reached without adequate response, a diuretic may be added (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 or 25 mg) or, if the dose is increased, optimal control may require twice daily medication.

Concomitant diuretics.

If blood pressure is not adequately controlled with Quinapril Sandoz monotherapy, a diuretic may be added. In patients who are currently being treated with a diuretic, symptomatic hypotension occasionally can occur following the initial dose of Quinapril Sandoz. To reduce the likelihood of hypotension, the diuretic should, if possible, be discontinued two to three days prior to beginning therapy with Quinapril Sandoz (see Precautions). Then, if blood pressure is not controlled with Quinapril Sandoz alone, diuretic therapy should be resumed.
If the diuretic cannot be discontinued, an initial dose of Quinapril Sandoz 2.5 to 5 mg should be used with careful medical supervision for several hours and until blood pressure has stabilised.
The dosage should subsequently be titrated (as described above) to the optimal response (see Interactions with Other Medicines).

Renal impairment.

Kinetic data indicate that the apparent elimination half-life of quinaprilat increases as creatinine clearance decreases. Recommended starting doses, based on clinical and pharmacokinetic data from patients with renal impairment are shown in Table 3.
Patients should subsequently have their dosage titrated (as described above) to the optimal response.

Elderly (greater than or equal to 65 years).

The recommended initial dosage of Quinapril Sandoz in elderly patients is 10 mg given once daily followed by titration (as described above) to the optimal response.

Congestive heart failure.

Quinapril Sandoz is indicated as an adjunctive therapy with diuretics and/or cardiac glycosides. The recommended initial dosage in patients with congestive heart failure is a single 5 mg dose following which the patient should be monitored closely for symptomatic hypotension. If the initial dose of Quinapril Sandoz is well tolerated, patients may be titrated slowly at weekly intervals given as a divided dose twice a day up to 20 mg/day. Those patients who have received 10 mg twice daily during one month with satisfactory response may be transferred to 20 mg once daily. Few patients may require 40 mg/day given in two doses. Titration to higher doses should cease after an effective dose is reached or undesirable hypotension, orthostasis or azotaemia prohibits reaching this dose (see Precautions). Patients can normally be maintained effectively on doses of 10 to 20 mg/day given as one or two doses. Quinapril Sandoz should always be given with concomitant diuretic and/or cardiac glycoside therapy.
Following the initial dose of Quinapril Sandoz, the patient should be observed under medical supervision for at least two hours for the presence of hypotension or orthostasis and, if present, until blood pressure stabilises. The appearance of hypotension, orthostasis or azotaemia early in dose titration should not preclude further careful dose titration. Consideration should be given to reducing the dose of concomitant diuretics.

Dose adjustment in patients with heart failure and renal impairment or hyponatraemia.

Pharmacokinetic data indicate that quinapril elimination is dependent on the level of renal function in patients with heart failure and renal impairment. The recommended initial dose of Quinapril Sandoz is 5 mg in patients with creatinine clearance above 30 mL/minute and 2.5 mg in patients with a creatinine clearance of 10 to 30 mL/minute. There are insufficient data for dosage recommendation in patients with creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/minute (see Congestive heart failure, above and Interactions with Other Medicines).

Overdosage

The oral LD50 of quinapril ranges from 1,440 to 4,280 mg/kg in mice and rats.
Contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 for advice on management of overdose.

Symptoms.

The most likely clinical manifestation would be symptoms attributable to severe hypotension. Survival has been reported in a 24 year old male who presented with acute renal failure after intentionally ingesting 150 to 200 mg of quinapril. The patient recovered without haemodialysis.

Treatment.

Laboratory determinations of serum levels of quinapril and its metabolites are not widely available, and such determinations have, in any event, no established role in the management of quinapril overdose.
No data are available to suggest physiological manoeuvres (e.g. manoeuvres to change pH of the urine) that might accelerate elimination of quinapril and its metabolites would be effective.
Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis have little effect on the elimination of quinapril and quinaprilat. Because the hypotensive effect of quinapril is achieved through vasodilatation and effective hypovolaemia, it is reasonable to treat quinapril overdose by infusion of normal saline solution.

Presentation

Tablets (beige, scored, film coated, marked G on one side), 5 mg (oval, marked QP/5 on reverse), 20 mg (round, marked QP/20 on reverse): 30's (blister pack).

Storage

Store below 25°C.

Poison Schedule

S4.