Uses and side effects of Qpril tablets

Qpril Tablets is a common brand name of the generic drug Quinapril. It is a prescription only medication. Qpril Tablets is an ACE inhibitor (Angiotensine Converting Enzyme Inhibitor). This drug widens the arteries and reduces blood pressure.

 This drug is prescribed in high blood pressure, heart failure and in the early stages of diabetes kidney damage.

 Before starting this medication, the doctor should know your complete medical history, including over the counter medication patient is on.  Combining this medication with NSAIDs can have problems.

 If the patient has kidney disease called bilateral renal artery stenosis, then the doctor will not prescribe Qpril Tablets. If patient has liver problems, doctor should know that as well. If a patient has a heart disease called Aortic or Mitral valve stenosis then the doctor may not prescribe this medication. Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can cause problems with this drug as well. The doctor may check patient’s electrolyte levels in the blood before starting Qpril Tablets. Serum potassium levels can go up with this medication.

 This medication should be taken as a whole with full glass of water and it should not be crushed to minimize side effects. This medication can be taken with or without meals.

 If the patient is pregnant or nursing, doctor will not start Qpril Tablets. Taking Qpril Tablets in pregnancy can harm the unborn baby. This drug is not present in breast milk in significant amounts, but manufacturer advices to avoid during breast feeding.

 Common side effects of Qpril

Dry cough is the most troublesome side effect. Some patients can get dizziness and have low blood pressure. Gastro intestinal disturbances like nausea and vomiting are common side effects. This drug can sometimes alter plasma lipid levels.

This drug is a potent antihypertensive, so patient can get faintishness especially in the first few days of the treatment.

Less common side effects are reduced white cell counts, pancreatitis, cardiac rhythm abnormalities, headache and dizziness.

Few patients may get shortness of breath and muscle/joint pains with this medication. This medication is known to cause upper respiratory tract infections.

 Rare side effects of Qpril

Asthenia, chest pain, edema, flatulence, nervousness, depression, sleep problems, blurred vision, impotence and back pain are relatively uncommon side effects.

 Very few patients can get an allergic reaction to this medication. Sometimes it can lead to an anaphylactic shock. This is characterized by wide spread hives, low blood pressure, shortness of breath and pallor. Patient should seek immediate medical help if he/she gets this problem.