Accupril (Quinapril) Side Effects

If you’ve been prescribed Accupril (quinapril), you'll want to be aware of any side effects associated with this medication. Most are mild and short-lived, but by knowing about them you can better monitor your health while taking Accupril.

Accupril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors that work by widening blood vessels to allow for the free flow of blood. They are prescribed alone or in combination with other drugs to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or heart failure.

Common Side Effects

Accupril is safe for most people to take and rarely causes serious or lasting side effects. Lightheadedness is common during the first few days of taking this drug; if it continues or progresses to syncope (fainting), stop taking the medication and alert your doctor.

Take note of the following common side effects of Accupril so you're likely to recognize them. If you experience any that become severe or persistent, call your doctor:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Excessive fatigue
• Cough
• Upset stomach
• Nausea/vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle pain
• Diarrhea
• Back pain
• Rash

Inadequate fluid intake, excessive perspiration, diarrhea, or vomiting can cause an excessive drop in blood pressure which can cause symptoms like lightheadedness and fainting. Be sure to keep your fluid intake high and to watch if other symptoms are causing you to lose too much fluid. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. 

Severe Side Effects

Although uncommon, certain side effects of Accupril can be severe. Among the most concerning are signs of an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

If while taking Accupril you experience any of the following, get medical help right away:

• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
• Chest pain
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting

Symptoms of Overdose

An overdose of Accupril can cause blood pressure to drop to a dangerously low level—a condition known as severe hypotension. If you have taken more than your prescribed dose of Accupril or have accidentally taken a double dose of the drug, you may experience symptoms of hypotension, including but not limited to:

• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Blurred vision
• Rapid breathing
• Extreme thirst
• Cool, clammy skin

A Word From Verywell

Your doctor has prescribed Accupril for you because they believe the benefits far outweigh the potential side effects. If you're nervous about taking Accupril, keep this mind. Also be aware that your doctor likely will start you on a low dose of Accupril and gradually increase it in order to avoid side effects. Even so, it's helpful to know what these might be so you have some control over monitoring your own reactions to the drug and can feel comfortable alerting your doctor.