Quinapril

Quinapril is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure, symptoms of congestive heart failure, and other conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. Part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors, quinapril works by blocking an enzyme in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict. In previous 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.

 

What Is Quinapril?

Quinapril hydrochloride (Accupril®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short.
 

Who Makes Quinapril?

Quinapril is manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.
 

What Is Quinapril Used For?

Quinapril has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These quinapril uses include:
 
Quinapril does not cure high blood pressure or congestive heart failure, and has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click Quinapril Uses for more information on what quinapril is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Quinapril: How Does It Work?

Quinapril is part of a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. Quinapril helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, quinapril causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 
By helping blood vessels relax, quinapril also increases the efficiency of the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard and more blood can be pumped out to the rest of the body. Both of these are helpful for a person with congestive heart failure.
 
(Quinapril Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;