Accupril

Accupril is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Accupril is indicated in the management of heart failure as adjunctive therapy when added to conventional therapy including diuretics and/or digitalis. 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.

You can take Accupril with or without meals. Alcohol may increase the effect of Accupril, and could cause dizziness or fainting. Avoid alcoholic beverages until you have checked with your physician. Take Accupril exactly as prescribed, and see your physician regularly to make sure the drug is working properly without unwanted side effects. Do not stop taking this drug without first consulting your physician.

More common side effects may include; dizziness, headache. Less common side effects may include; abdominal pain, coughing, fatigue, nausea, vomiting. Rare side effects may include; angina (severe chest pain), back pain, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, bronchitis, changes in heart rhythm, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dimmed vision, dizziness when first standing up, dry mouth or throat, extremely high blood pressure, fainting, fluid accumulation and swelling, gas, hair loss, heart attack, heart failure, hepatitis, high potassium, impotence, increased blood pressure, increased sweating, indigestion, inflammation of the pancreas, inflammation of the sinuses, insomnia, itching, kidney failure, joint pain, low blood pressure, muscle pain, nervousness, numbness/tingling, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, rash, sensitivity to light, severe allergic reactions, skin peeling, sleepiness, sore throat, stroke, swelling of the mouth and throat, urinary tract infection, vague feeling of illness, vertigo.

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. When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, ACE inhibitors can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected, Accupril should be discontinued as soon as possible.