Information About Accuretic

Common uses
Accuretic is an ACE inhibitor and thiazide diuretic combination used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the quinapril in Accuretic can cause injury and death to the fetus. Consult your physician or pharmacist for more information. 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, do not use Accuretic: dofetilide or ketanserin. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: clozapine, diazoxide, digitoxin, digoxin, indomethacin, lithium, potassium, diuretics, azathioprine, or medicine for diabetes. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. You should not take Accuretic if you have a history of kidney artery narrowing. If you have questions or concerns about Accuretic, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Accuretic. Accuretic is best taken on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after a meal), or with a light meal. High-fat meals, however, may decrease the absorption of the medicine into your bloodstream. Take it exactly as prescribed and try to take it at the same time each day. Accuretic may cause an increase in urine or in frequency of urination. To prevent this from affecting sleep: if you are taking 1 dose daily, take it in the morning after breakfast. If you are taking more than 1 dose daily, take the last dose no later than 6 pm. Store Accuretic at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. Should you skip or forget a dose of Accuretic, 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
If you have had a severe allergic reaction to Accuretic or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your physician or pharmacist before taking Accuretic. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to Accuretic or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your physician or pharmacist. Do not stop taking Accuretic without discussing it with your physician. If you are taking a tetracycline antibiotic or a quinolone antibiotic (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), take it at least 3 hours apart from Accuretic. This product contains magnesium which can interfere with absorption of these antibiotics. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Accuretic. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the physician or dentist that you are using Accuretic. Accuretic may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. Accuretic may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Accuretic. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. 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 doses of Accuretic unless your physician tells you to do so. Do not use a salt substitute or potassium supplement without checking with your physician. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your physician. Women, use of Accuretic during pregnancy has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your physician immediately. Accuretic is excreted in breast milk do not breast-feed while taking Accuretic. If you have diabetes, Accuretic may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your physician before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects you may experience while using Accuretic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dry cough, dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting up or standing, loss of appetite, or fatigue. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience rash or itching, muscle pain or cramps, vomiting, restlessness, dry mouth, unusual thirst, unusual tiredness or weakness, fast heartbeat, yellowing of the skin or eyes, sore throat or fever, or drowsiness. Contact your physician immediately if you experience irregular or slow heartbeat; chest pain; unusual stomach pain; swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; or difficulty swallowing or breathing. An allergic reaction to Accuretic is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, 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. Indications of an overdose are dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, excessive urination followed by a decrease in amount of urine, muscle cramps, and weak or irregular heartbeat.

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