Quinapril (Cont.)

Quinapril Effects

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies, in people taking quinapril, systolic blood pressure (the top number) decreased on average by 5 to 11 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) decreased by 3 to 7 mmHg on average. The higher the dose of quinapril, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be. By lowering blood pressure, quinapril can decrease the risks that accompany long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).
 
For people with congestive heart failure, the effects of quinapril on the heart and blood vessels cause a decrease in the symptoms of congestive heart failure, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. These effects can also improve a person's exercise tolerance.
 

Quinapril: When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take quinapril include:
 
  • Quinapril comes in tablet form. It is usually taken once or twice a day.
    •  
  • Quinapril should be taken on an empty stomach -- at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.
    •  
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the quinapril tablets.
    •  
  • Quinapril should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of quinapril in your blood.
    •  
  • For quinapril to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Quinapril will not work if you stop taking it.
    •  

Dosing With Quinapril

The dose of quinapril your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
    •  
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Quinapril Dosing for more information about dosing guidelines for quinapril.)
 
(Quinapril Continued: Page 3)

Pages:

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;