Why have I been prescribed Accuretic?

• Accuretic (Quinalapril and Hydrochlorthiazide) is used to treat high blood pressure.

How does it work?

• Quinapril belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors work by widening blood vessels in the body, which can reduce the pressure in the vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a group of medicines called diuretics. Diuretics help the body to get rid of extra fluid and are used in patients with high blood pressure. Because they get rid of fluid, diuretics are sometimes called 'water tablets'.

When and how do I take it?

• Always take Accuretic exactly as your doctor has told you to. If you are not sure how to take your tablets ask your doctor or pharmacist. Never take more tablets than the doctor has told you to.

• Try to take the tablets at the same time(s) every day either with or without food.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose.

• If you accidentally take too many Accuretic tablets tell your doctor at once. If you can't do this, go to the nearest hospital accident and emergency department. Take along the medicine container even if there are not any tablets left, this helps the hospital staff tell what medicine you have taken.

What’s the dose?

• Usually one a day

Could it interact with other tablets?

The following medicines may interact with Accuretic:

• allopurinol

• corticotropin

• insulin

• lithium

• procainamide

• tetracycline

• tubocurarine

• narcotics

• anaesthetics

• antacids

• antidiabetics

• antihypertensives

• barbiturates

• corticosteroids

• cytostatics

• diuretics

• immunosuppressant medicines

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

• potassium sparing medicines

• potassium supplements

If you are taking Accuretic and one of the above medicines or types of medicines, make sure your prescriber knows about it.

Herbal products should also only be taken after talking with your doctor.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Side-effects which may occur are:

• Nausea , vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, upset stomach or stomach pain.

• Headache, dizziness, flushing, insomnia (being unable to sleep), feeling tired, drowsy or run down or generally feeling weak.

• Coughing, sneezing, runny nose or sore throat which may be signs of an upper respiratory tract infection. Bronchitis or viral infections.

• Pain in the back, chest or muscles.

• Skin rash, itch or increased sensitivity to sunlight. Severe skin rash associated with general illness.

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), kidney disease (your doctor may carry out tests at times during your treatment if he thinks you may be at risk from kidney disease).

• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

• This medicine may interact with alcohol

• You should seek advice from your prescriber as to whether you may drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

Accuretic cannot be used during pregnancy or while breast feeding.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

Medicines.ie Website - Accuretic SPC http://

www.medicines.ie/medicine/6796/SPC/Accuretic+Tablets/

Medicines.ie Website- Accuretic PIL 

http://www.rxlist.com/accuretic-drug.htm

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/accuretic.html