Your blood pressure medication: Let's get to know exactly what Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide are!

Has the doctor told you that you have high blood pressure? Today, we are going to talk about the type of medication that is prescribed for such conditions, called Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide. Although this is a bit of a long name, it is very important for you to know about this medication.

Let's first see what this medicine is?

Simply put, Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide (Quinapril; Hydrochlorothiazide) is a medicine that helps control your high blood pressure, or 'pressure' . It works by relaxing your blood vessels and helping your kidneys to release more fluid as urine. This is how your blood pressure is lowered. It's actually a combination of two types of medicine: one is an ACE inhibitor , and the other is a diuretic . Together, these two help control your pressure.

You may see this medicine in the market under the names `Accuretic` or `Quinaretic`. However, the name and dosage of the medicine that the doctor prescribes for you are important. Doctors may also prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any questions about this, it is best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What are the things I need to tell the doctor before starting this medication?

Before you use this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor or pharmacist about these things. Because, if you have these conditions, they will need to decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or if you need special care.

• Do you have a bone marrow disease ?
• Has the amount of urine output decreased?
• Do you have diabetes (`Diabetes Mellitus`) ?
• Do you have heart or blood vessel disease ?
• Are you on a low salt diet ?
• Do you have any immune system problems , such as lupus ?
• Do you have kidney disease ?
• Do you have liver disease ?
• Have you ever had swelling of the tongue, face, or lips, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or a tight throat before? (This may be related to a serious allergic condition called angioedema.)
• Have you recently had a heart attack or stroke ?
• Have you ever had an allergy or unusual reaction to quinapril, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa medications, other medications, insect venom, foods, artificial dyes, or preservatives ?
• Are you pregnant or hoping to get pregnant?
• A mother breastfeeding her child?

How should I take this pill?

This medicine is to be taken by mouth. It is best to take it at the same time every day , as directed on the prescription label. You may take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, take it with some food. Continue to take this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.

Talk to your doctor about giving this medicine to young children. Special care may be needed.

Important: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a poison control center or the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.

Remember, this medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others. It may not be suitable for them, and it may harm them.

What do you do if you miss your medication appointment?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose. Doing so increases the risk of side effects.

What other things can interact with this medicine?

Do not take quinapril or hydrochlorothiazide with these medications:

• The medicine is called Sacubitril; valsartan.

Also, this medicine may interact with the following things. Therefore, if you are using these, you should tell your doctor:

• Barbiturates (for example, phenobarbital, a sleep aid)
• Other blood pressure medications you are already taking
• Corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
• Diabetic medications
• Other diuretics, especially potassium-sparing ones (e.g. triamterene, spironolactone, or amiloride)
• Everolimus
• Lithium
• NSAIDs - These are medicines for pain and inflammation (e.g. ibuprofen or naproxen)
• Potassium salts or potassium supplements (these can come in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids, or powders)
• Some painkillers prescribed by doctors (`Prescription pain medications`)
• Sirolimus
• Skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g. tubocurarine)
• Some cholesterol lowering medications (e.g. cholestyramine or colestipol)
• Temsirolimus

This list is not exhaustive. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (over-the-counter, over-the-counter), herbal products, and dietary supplements . Also, be honest about any smoking, alcohol, or illegal drug use . Some of these things may interact with your medication.

What should you be careful about when taking this medicine?

It is very important to be especially careful about these things when using this medicine.

• See your doctor regularly to check your condition. Measure your blood pressure as your doctor tells you. Ask him what your blood pressure should be normally and when you should notify him. Tell your doctor if you feel your heartbeat is irregular or fast .

• Don't let your body become dehydrated. Ask your doctor how much water you should drink each day. Talk to your doctor if you have severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or excessive sweating. Taking this medicine can be dangerous if you lose too much water from your body.

• Women who are trying to get pregnant or who suspect they are pregnant should tell their doctor about this, as it can cause serious side effects to the unborn baby. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

• You may feel drowsy or dizzy . Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not get up or sit down quickly, especially if you are elderly. This can reduce the chance of dizziness and falls. Alcohol can make you feel even more drowsy and dizzy. So avoid alcohol.

• If you have diabetes, this medicine may increase your blood sugar levels . Ask your doctor if you need to make any changes to your diet or medication.

• Unless your doctor advises otherwise, do not use salt substitutes, as they may contain too much potassium.

• While taking this medicine , do not take any self-medication for cough, cold, or pain without consulting your doctor. Some medicines contain ingredients that can increase your blood pressure.

• Talk to your doctor about your risk of skin cancer . Taking this medicine may increase your risk of skin cancer.

• This medicine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight . So be careful in the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin, use sunscreen , and do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects can you experience from this medicine?

Like all medications, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, some are not so serious.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor immediately:

If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

• Allergic reactions or angioedema — This includes skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
• Dehydration — Excessive thirst, dry mouth, fainting, feeling dizzy, headache, dark yellow or brown urine.
• Gout — Severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in the joints, especially the big toe.
• High potassium level in the blood — muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Kidney injury — Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet.
• Liver injury — Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Low blood pressure — dizziness, fainting, blurred vision.
• Low potassium level in the blood — muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or tiredness, fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting.
• Sudden eye pain or vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, seeing rings around lights, loss of vision).

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:

These are usually not serious, but if they are bothersome, tell your doctor.

• Change in sexual desire or function
• Cough (this may be specific to some ACE inhibitors, so tell your doctor )
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Stomach discomfort

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.

How should this medicine be stored?

Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets .

Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, or 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not use or dispose of any medicine that has passed its expiration date.

This leaflet is only a summary of this medicine. It may not contain all the information you need. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare provider. They will be able to help you.

The most important message to take home

Quinapril and Hydrochlorothiazide (Quinapril; Hydrochlorothiazide) are important medications for blood pressure. But when using this , it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly, tell your doctor about other diseases you have, other medications you are taking, and be aware of side effects . If you have any questions or doubts, do not be afraid to ask your doctor. Remember, your health is very important to you!

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