Quinapril (generic for Accupril®) tablets for hypertension and heart failure

What Quinapril Is and How It Works

Quinapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and to manage heart failure in combination with other medicines. Many people search for quinapril online to fill a valid prescription at a lower price. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also partner with vetted international pharmacies to source authentic brands and generics at affordable prices and with a broad selection.

Quinapril is a prodrug that converts to quinaprilat in the body. Quinaprilat blocks the ACE enzyme, which reduces angiotensin II. This relaxes blood vessels and lowers aldosterone, helping reduce blood pressure and fluid strain on the heart. The medication comes as oral quinapril tablets in strengths commonly including 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.

For hypertension, dosing is usually once daily, and may be split into twice-daily dosing depending on response. For heart failure, dosing typically starts lower and is given twice daily with careful monitoring. A quinapril prescription allows your clinician to adjust the dose over time based on blood pressure, kidney function, and symptoms.

Quinapril is sometimes referred to by the former brand name Accupril, and different manufacturers produce generic for quinapril, such as APO-quinapril or Solco quinapril. The active ingredient is the same: quinapril hydrochloride, in the ACE inhibitor drug class.

Dosage and Usage

• Hypertension initial dosing often starts low, then titrates based on response over several weeks.
• Heart failure regimens usually begin at a low dose given twice daily, with monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium.
• Typical maintenance ranges include 20–40 mg per day, given once daily or divided. Some patients require lower or higher doses.
• Those on a diuretic may start at a lower dose to reduce the risk of low blood pressure.
• Take with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
• If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double doses.
• Do not take quinapril and amlodipine in the same tablet unless prescribed as a fixed-dose combination. They are often used together but require individualized dosing.
• Quinapril 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg tablets are available; the exact strengths depend on manufacturer supply.

• Store at 15–30°C (59–86°F) in a dry place away from moisture.
• Keep tablets in the original container with the label intact.
• Do not store in a bathroom or a hot car; avoid excessive heat and humidity.
• When traveling, keep your medication in your carry-on with a copy of your prescription.
• Use a pill organizer for trips, and keep a small reserve in original packaging for security checks.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Quinapril lowers blood pressure and helps protect the heart and blood vessels over time. In heart failure, it can improve symptoms and reduce hospitalizations when part of a guideline-directed regimen. It is taken once or twice daily, with well-studied dosing across common strengths like quinapril 20 mg and quinapril 40 mg.

Choosing a generic ACE inhibitor like medication quinapril can reduce monthly costs while providing the same active ingredient as Accupril. Ordering through YouDrugstore offers access to Canadian pricing, with typical savings of 60–80% compared with many US retail prices. Multi-month supplies and occasional bulk promotions can lower the per-month quinapril cost further, and you can set simple reorder reminders.

For current offers, see our promotions page; it may include a quinapril discount: https://youdrugstore.com/promotions.

Side Effects and Safety

• Cough (dry, persistent)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when starting or increasing dose
• Headache or fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Low blood pressure, particularly with diuretics, dehydration, or salt restriction
• High potassium (may cause muscle weakness or heart rhythm changes)
• Rash or taste changes

Serious but uncommon risks include angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat), kidney function changes, very high potassium, severe low blood pressure, liver problems (rare), or neutropenia (rare). ACE inhibitors, including quinapril, must not be used during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, due to fetal harm. Avoid combining with aliskiren in diabetes, and use caution with ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, lithium, and NSAIDs. For a broader overview, see Drug Interactions The Top Interactions That Should Be On Your Radar.

Onset Time

Blood pressure reduction generally begins within the first hour after a dose, with peak effect at 2–4 hours. The antihypertensive effect builds over 1–2 weeks as dosing stabilizes and may continue to improve through week 4. In heart failure, symptom gains and exercise tolerance may evolve over several weeks, with ongoing benefit when used as part of long-term therapy.

Compare With Alternatives

Lisinopril is another ACE inhibitor taken once daily. It has similar efficacy for blood pressure and heart failure. Some patients who do not tolerate cough on one ACE inhibitor may have the same effect with another.

Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It blocks the angiotensin II receptor rather than the ACE enzyme. ARBs may cause less cough and are often used when ACE inhibitors are not tolerated.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It lowers blood pressure by relaxing arterial smooth muscle and is often paired with ACE inhibitors. Many patients benefit from amlodipine and quinapril together to reach blood pressure targets.

Combination Therapy

• Thiazide diuretics (e.g., HCTZ): common combination that may allow lower ACE inhibitor doses.
• Amlodipine: pairing reduces edema compared with amlodipine alone and improves blood pressure control.
• Beta-blockers: frequently used in heart failure and coronary disease; monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
• Loop diuretics: used in heart failure for volume management; blood pressure may drop further.
• ARBs or aliskiren: avoid routine dual renin-angiotensin system blockade; in diabetes with aliskiren, avoid.
• Potassium-sparing diuretics or supplements: increased risk of high potassium; lab monitoring is often required.
• NSAIDs: may blunt blood pressure response and stress the kidneys; limit or avoid if possible.
• Lithium: ACE inhibitors can raise lithium levels; monitor closely if used together.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Quinapril used for hypertension and heart failure suits many adults when monitored appropriately. It may be less effective as monotherapy for blood pressure in some Black patients; pairing with a thiazide or CCB is common. Those with kidney disease can still benefit, but require careful monitoring. Patients with a history of angioedema on an ACE inhibitor should avoid quinapril. Do not use during pregnancy; discuss alternatives if planning to conceive. Breastfeeding considerations depend on clinical need and the infant’s health.

Discuss all medications and supplements, including over-the-counter NSAIDs or potassium-containing salt substitutes. Report swelling of the face or throat, severe dizziness, fainting, or signs of high potassium promptly.

To manage quinapril cost, choose the generic for Accupril and consider 90-day supplies when appropriate. You can use reorder reminders so you do not run out. Bulk purchase promotions may reduce the monthly price. Strengths such as quinapril 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, or quinapril 40 mg tablet allow tailored dosing without paying for unnecessary higher strengths.

Authoritative Sources

Pfizer Accupril product information

Health Canada Drug Product Database

FDA DailyMed: Accupril (quinapril) labeling

Order quinapril from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This information is educational and does not replace personalized medical advice from your healthcare professional.