Quinapril
Quinapril is an ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) used primarily to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It works by blocking an enzyme that causes blood vessels to narrow, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the heart's workload.
Quinapril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure by relaxing blood vessels.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C09AA06
- RxNorm
- 35208
- Generic
- Quinapril
- Class
- atc-c09
- Brands
- Accuretic, Accupril
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10-20mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not recommended
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative antihypertensives
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesterdiscontinue immediately
contraindicated due to risk of fetal renal failure, oligohydramnios, pulmonary hypoplasia, and death
immediate discontinuation and fetal assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
quinapril is excreted in breast milk in small amounts; monitor infant for hypotension
monitor infant for signs of hypotension
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose (5mg once daily)
increased sensitivity to ACE inhibitors; higher risk of orthostatic hypotension and renal impairment; monitor renal function and potassium
regular monitoring of renal function, blood pressure, and potassium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
safety and efficacy not established in children and adolescents under 18 years; use alternative treatments
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild moderateadjust dose based on creatinine clearance
for CrCl 30-80 mL/min: start with 5-10 mg once daily; for CrCl 10-30 mL/min: start with 2.5 mg once daily; monitor renal function and potassium
monitor renal function (serum creatinine, BUN) and potassium within 1-2 weeks of initiation and periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse lowest effective dose
use with extreme caution in CrCl less than 10 mL/min; consider alternative therapy; if used, start at 2.5 mg and monitor closely
frequent monitoring of renal function and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno specific adjustment needed
pharmacokinetics not significantly altered; monitor for hypotension; caution advised
monitor blood pressure and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useuse with caution
alcohol may potentiate hypotension; monitor blood pressure closely; assess for liver involvement
regular blood pressure monitoring and liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Quinapril (Accupril)
Drug class
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
Common uses
Indications for Quinapril
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological action
Quinapril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart failure, and may be prescribed after heart attacks to improve survival. It may also help protect kidney function in patients with diabetes.
Quinapril inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), preventing the formation of angiotensin II—a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow. This results in vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and reduced blood pressure.
Common side effects include dry cough, dizziness, and headache. Quinapril can cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Patients should report signs of angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat) and avoid potassium supplements unless directed, as ACE inhibitors can increase potassium levels. Regular blood pressure monitoring and kidney function tests are recommended during treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy