Information About Accupril

Common uses
Accupril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used with other medicine to treat congestive heart disease or to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
This drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician. Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), salicylates (such as aspirin), phenothiazines (such as thioridazine or chlorpromazine), "water pills" (such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, spironolactone, or triamterene), certain medicines for diabetes (such as glyburide, glipizide or tolbutamide), pergolide, clozapine, indomethacin, lithium, potassium, azathioprine, or trimethoprim. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions including a history of any unusual swelling of your face, neck, or trunk; dehydration; heart problems; blood vessel problems (such as aortic stenosis or stroke); kidney problems; hemodialysis; liver problems; electrolyte problems; a salt-restricted diet; lupus or scleroderma; diabetes; blood or bone marrow problems; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. You should not take Accupril if you have a history of unusual swelling of your face, neck, throat, tongue, lips, or trunk (angioedema) after taking this or any other ACE inhibitor medicine. If you have questions or concerns about Accupril, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Accupril. You may take Accupril with food, or on an empty stomach. Do not use tetracycline within 2 hours of taking Accupril. Store Accupril at room temperature in a tightly-closed container away from heat and light. Take Accupril regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Keep to a schedule -- take Accupril at the same time(s) every day. Even if you are feeling better, you should continue taking Accupril. Make sure that you do not skip a dose of Accupril. Should you skip or forget a dose of Accupril, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Never take more than one dose at the same time.

Warnings
Do not use Accupril if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to other ACE inhibitors, or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your physician. It may take 1 to 2 weeks for Accupril to work. Do not stop using Accupril without checking with your physician. Laboratory and/or medical tests including liver function, kidney function, blood pressure, blood counts, and blood electrolytes may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are taking Accupril. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the physician or dentist that you are using Accupril. Accupril may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when you begin taking Accupril. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Accupril. Using Accupril alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand slowly. Drink plenty of fluids during exercise or other activities where excessive sweating may occur. If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your physician immediately. Do not use any more of Accupril unless your physician tells you to do so. Accupril may lower your resistance to infection Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. Do not use a salt substitute or other potassium supplement without checking with your physician. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Caution is advised when using Accupril in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. Women, use of Accupril during pregnancy has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your physician immediately. Accupril is excreted in breast milk if you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Accupril, consult your pharmacist or physician to discuss the risks to your baby.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may occur while taking Accupril include dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, tiredness, and cough. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience severe lightheadedness or fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; prolonged nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; unusual joint pain; or unusual muscle pain, cramps, or weakness. Contact your physician immediately if you experience swelling of hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, tongue, or trunk; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; chest pain; unusual stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes; darkening of your urine; a change in the amount of your urine; sore throat; or fever. An allergic reaction to Accupril is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed.

Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Accupril. Do not take Accupril to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If you will be taking Accupril for an extended period of time, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.