Quinapril Uses

Quinapril is used to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, including high blood pressure and symptoms of congestive heart failure. Quinapril significantly lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which can decrease the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure. Quinapril has not been approved for use in children. Off-label quinapril uses include treating kidney problems in people with scleroderma, among other things.

 

An Overview of Quinapril Uses

Quinapril hydrochloride (Accupril®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These quinapril uses include:
 
High Blood Pressure
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. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
In clinical studies, quinapril has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. 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 occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). Quinapril does not cure high blood pressure.
 
Congestive Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body. It does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way that it should.
 
For people with congestive heart failure, quinapril decreases blood pressure, which makes the heart more efficient and allows more blood to be pumped from the heart. These effects of quinapril 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 and decrease hospitalizations.
 
(Quinapril Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;