What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in
normal doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but
does not occur in everyone. Not everyone will experience side effects, and
which side effects a person experiences cannot be anticipated.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking
this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side
effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or
pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of
the medication.
- abdominal pain
- back pain
- cough
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
- rash
- tiredness
- vomiting
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you
begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this
medication.
Angioedema: Angioedema (swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, eye, or
throat causing difficulty swallowing or breathing) has been reported in a small
number of people who take quinapril. If any of these symptoms occur, get immediate
medical attention. Also, consult your doctor immediately about any unexplained
rash, fever, or itching. If you experience angioedema with quinapril, do not
take any other ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril, or ramipril).
Cough: A dry, persistent cough, which usually disappears only after
withdrawal of quinapril, may occur for those who take this medication.
Kidney function: Changes in kidney function have been seen for some
individuals who are sensitive to this effect. For certain people, use of diuretics
(water pills) may further increase risk of kidney problems.
Liver function: Changes in liver function and jaundice have occurred
in people with or without pre-existing liver problems during treatment with
this medication. If you develop yellow skin or eyes; abdominal pain; dark urine;
clay-colored stools; loss of appetite; or nausea and vomiting, stop taking this
medication and get immediate medical attention.
Low blood pressure: Low blood pressure may occur suddenly after taking
quinapril, usually after the first or second dose, or when the dose is increased.
This is more likely to occur for people who are also take diuretics (water pills),
have a dietary salt restriction, receive dialysis, or are experiencing diarrhea
or vomiting. Such people should be monitored closely for the first weeks of
treatment and whenever the dose of quinapril is increased. Signs of low blood
pressure include dizziness and lightheadedness.
Potassium: This medication may increase blood potassium levels, especially
in people with kidney problems, diabetes, or who are taking certain medications.
Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium without checking with your
doctor. Your doctor may order blood tests to monitor your potassium levels while
you are taking quinapril. Check with your doctor before using potassium supplements
or salt substitutes using potassium. Warning signs or symptoms of high blood
potassium include:
- confusion
- irregular heartbeat
- nervousness
- numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
- shortness of breath or difficult breathing
- unusual tiredness or muscle weakness
- weakness or heaviness of legs
White blood cells: Quinapril may decrease white blood cell counts, especially
if you have impaired kidney function or a collagen vascular disease (e.g., scleroderma,
systemic lupus erythematosus). Your doctor may order blood tests to monitor
your white blood cell counts while you are taking this medication. Contact your
doctor if you experience any signs of infection, such as sore throat or fever.
Pregnancy: ACE inhibitors such as quinapril can cause serious problems
during pregnancy. If you become pregnant, stop taking quinapril and contact
your doctor.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are
a breast-feeding mother and are taking quinapril, it may affect your baby. Talk
to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of quinapril have not been established
for use by children. Quinapril is not recommended for this age group.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
An interaction between medications does not always mean that you must stop
taking one of them. The following medications may affect the way quinapril
works, be affected by quinapril, or increase the risk of side effects:
- diuretics (water pills; e.g., furosemide, amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene)
- lithium
- mediations that lower blood pressure
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., indomethacin)
- substances which increase potassium levels (such as potassium supplements,
spironolactone, amiloride, heparin, cyclosporine, and salt substitutes containing
potassium)
- tetracycline
If you are taking any of these or other medications (including non-prescription,
herbal, and supplement products), speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending
on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to change your therapy
or suggest ways of managing any interactions. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine
from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications,
you should let your prescriber know if you use them.