SUMMARY CMI
APO-QUINAPRIL
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using Quinapril?
APO-QUINAPRIL contains the active ingredient quinapril hydrochloride. Quinapril is used to lower higher blood pressure and treat heart failure
For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Quinapril? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use Quinapril?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Quinapril, another ACE inhibitor or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Quinapril? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with quinapril and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
4. How do I use Quinapril?
For high blood pressure, the usual starting dose is 5 mg to 10 mg taken once a day. The dose may need to be increased. Most patients take between 10 mg and 40 mg each day. For heart failure, the usual starting dose is 5 mg taken once a day. In most patients, effective doses are between 10 mg and 20 mg a day.
More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Quinapril? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while using Quinapril?
Things you should do |
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Things you should not do |
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Driving or using machines | Quinapril may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or tiredness in some people. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous. |
Drinking alcohol | Your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake. |
Looking after your medicine | Keep your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. |
For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Quinapril? in the full CMI.
6. Are there any side effects?
Side effects include feeling light-headed, dizzy or faint, dry cough, headache, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, tiredness or weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, sleepiness, hair loss or thinning, dry mouth or throat, taste disturbance or loss of taste, confusion, nervousness, back pain, rash or impotence,
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
FULL CMI
APO-QUINAPRIL
Active ingredient(s): Quinapril hydrochloride
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using Quinapril. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Quinapril.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Quinapril?
2. What should I know before I use Quinapril?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Quinapril?
5. What should I know while using Quinapril?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details
1. Why am I using Quinapril?
APO-QUINAPRIL contains the active ingredient quinapril hydrochloride, an angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitors.
High blood pressure:
Everyone has blood pressure. Blood pressure helps to move your blood all around your body. Your blood pressure may be different at different times of the day and may be affected by how busy or worried you are. You have 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 high blood pressure. The only way of knowing that you have high blood pressure 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
Quinapril works by widening your blood vessels, which reduces pressure in the vessels and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This increases 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.
2. What should I know before I use Quinapril?
Warnings
Do not use APO-QUINAPRIL if:
- you are allergic to quinapril, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
- Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
- 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.
- you or your family have a history of swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, or feet for no apparent reason.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itchiness, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, muscle pain or tenderness or joint pain.
If you have had an allergic reaction to an ACE inhibitor before, you may be allergic to quinapril.
Use of ACE inhibitors have been associated with Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-diuretic Hormone (SIADH) and subsequent low blood sodium levels.
Your doctor may also wish to do a blood test to monitor your sodium levels to ensure they are within normal limits. In the elderly and other at-risk patients, sodium levels may be monitored more frequently.
- you have kidney problems, or a condition known as 'severe renal artery stenosis'
- you have a certain type of dialysis for blood filtration (using 'AN69' membranes).
- if you are currently taking blood pressure lowering medicine containing aliskiren or with medicines known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) or other ACE inhibitors and you have the following conditions:
- diabetes
- kidney problems
- high levels of potassium in your blood
- congestive heart failure - if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Quinapril may enter your womb, or it may pass into the breast milk and there is a possibility that your baby may be affected. - after the expiry date printed on the pack or
Check with your doctor if you:
- have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
- have or have had any of the following medical conditions, especially the following:
- kidney problems, or are having dialysis
- heart problems
- low blood pressure (hypotension), which you may notice as dizziness or light-headiness
- liver problems
- diabetes
- high level of potassium in your blood - are following a very low salt diet
- are about to receive de-sensitization therapy for an hymenoptera (insect) allergy
- are about to undergo dialysis or lipoprotein apheresis
- are planning to have surgery, dental treatment, or an anaesthetic
- plan to become pregnant or breastfeed
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any prescription medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, natural therapies that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket, or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with quinapril and affect how it works.
- other medicines used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure
- other medicines that work in a similar fashion to ACE inhibitors, such as angiotensin receptor blockers (these are used to treat high blood pressure and/or heart failure)
- diuretics, also known as fluid or water tablets
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or COX 2 inhibiting medicines, used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis
- potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes
- lithium, used to treat mood swings and some types of depression
- certain medicines used to treat bacterial and fungal infections, such as tetracycline antibiotics
- trimethoprim or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, medicines used to treat bacterial infections.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following blood pressure lowering medicines:
- angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
- aliskiren.
For some patients, quinapril should not be taken in combination with these medicines.
Your doctor may check your kidney function, blood pressure and the amount of electrolytes (e.g., potassium) in your blood at regular intervals.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines
- mTOR inhibitors, used in the treatment of kidney cancer (e.g., temsirolimus)
- DPP-IV inhibitors, used in the treatment of diabetes (e.g., vildagliptin)
- NEP inhibitors (e.g., sacubitril/valsartan), used in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Taking quinapril in combination with these medicines may increase your risk of having an allergic reaction.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Quinapril.
4. How do I use Quinapril?
How much to take / use
- For high blood pressure:
For most patients, the usual starting dose is 5 mg to 10 mg taken once a day. The dose may need to be adjusted depending on your blood pressure at an interval of 4 weeks. Most patients take between 10 mg and 40 mg each day.
This dose may be taken once a day or divided into two equal doses per day (one in the morning and one in the night). - For heart failure:
The usual starting dose is 5 mg taken once a day. In most patients, effective doses are between 10 mg and 20 mg a day. Your doctor will advise whether the dose is to be taken as a single dose or as two separate doses (one in the morning and one in the night).
When to take / use Quinapril
- Quinapril should be taken at the same time each day to have the best effect. It will also remember you when to take the medicine.
- take this medicine before meals.
Taking quinapril with food that has a high fat content may mean it does not work as well.
How to take Accupril
- swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water
- do not chew the tablets
If you forget to use Quinapril
Quinapril should be used regularly at the same time each day.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
If you use too much Quinapril
If you think that you have used too much quinapril, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
- phone the Poisons Information Centre
(By calling 13 11 26), or - contact your doctor, or
- go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
- If you take too much quinapril, you may feel light-headed, dizzy or you may faint.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while using Quinapril?
Things you should do
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking this medicine.
Make sure you drink enough water during exercise and hot weather when you are taking quinapril, especially if you sweat a lot.
If you do not drink enough water while taking quinapril, 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.
Tell your doctor if you have experienced excess vomiting or diarrhoea while taking Quinapril
You may lose too much water and salt and your blood pressure may drop too much.
Tell your doctor if you feel light-headed or dizzy after taking your first dose or when your dose is increased.
Tell your doctor or dentist if you are going to have surgery or an anaesthetic or are going into hospital.
Your blood pressure may drop immediately
Tell your doctor if you are about to have any blood tests.
Quinapril may interfere with the results of some tests as it can result in sodium blood levels that are lower than the normal limits.
Keep all your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
Your doctor may occasionally do a blood test to check your potassium levels and see how your kidneys are working.
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
Things you should not do
- do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
- do not take your medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
- do not stop taking your medicine or change the dosage without first checking with your doctor.
Things to be careful of
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Quinapril affects you.
As with other ACE inhibitor medicines. Quinapril may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or tiredness in some people. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous. If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.
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.
Things that would be helpful for your blood pressure or heart failure
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake.
Controlling Weight
Your doctor may suggest losing some weight to help lower your blood pressure and help lessen the amount of work your heart must do. Some people may need a dietician's help to lose weight.
Diet
Eat a healthy diet which includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread (preferably wholegrain), cereals and fish. Also eat less sugar and fat (especially saturated fat) which includes sausages, fatty meats, full cream dairy products, biscuits, cakes, pastries, chocolates, chips and coconut. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from olive oil, canola oil, avocado and nuts are beneficial in small quantities.
Salt
Your doctor may advise you to watch the amount of salt in your diet. To reduce your salt intake, you should avoid using salt in cooking or at the table and avoid cooked or processed foods containing high sodium (salt) levels.
Exercise
Regular exercise, maintained over the long term, helps reduce blood pressure and helps get the heart fitter. Regular exercise also improves your cholesterol levels, helps reduce your weight and stress levels, and improved your sleep, mood, and ability to concentrate. However, it is important not to overdo it. Before starting any exercise, ask your doctor about the best kind of programme for you.
Smoking
Your doctor may advise you to stop smoking or at least cut down. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further information and advice.
Looking after your medicine
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Keep your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store your medicine or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep your medicine in the pack until it is time to take it.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
Less serious side effects | What to do |
The above list includes the more common side effects of your medicine. They are usually mild. | Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you. |
Serious side effects
Serious side effects | What to do |
| Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects. |
Very Serious side effects | What to do |
| Call your doctor straight away or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalization. These side effects are very rare. |
Stop taking quinapril and tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you notice the following:
swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What Quinapril contains
Active ingredient (Main ingredient) | Quinapril |
Other ingredients (Inactive ingredients) |
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Potential allergens | NA |
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Quinapril looks like
APO-QUINAPRIL 10mg - yellow coloured, capsule shaped, film-coated tablets debossed with '10' on one side and scoreline on the other side.
AUSTR -133220
APO-QUINAPRIL 20mg tablet - yellow coloured, circular, film-coated tablets debossed with '20' on one side and scoreline on the other side.
AUSTR-133221
APO-QUINAPRIL is available in blister packs of 30 tablets.
Who distributes Quinapril
Apotex Pty Ltd
16 Giffnock Avenue
Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Tel: (02) 8877 8333
Web: www1.apotex.com/au
This leaflet was prepared in December 2022.
Published by MIMS February 2023