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. It can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does not occur in everyone.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away over time. 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
- chest pain
- cough
- diarrhea
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness
- headache
- low blood pressure
- muscle pain
- 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.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone at 1-800-332-1088.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use 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, stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention. If you experience angioedema with quinapril, do not take any other ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril, or ramipril). Consult your doctor immediately about any unexplained rash, fever, or itching.
Cough: A dry, persistent cough, which usually disappears only after
withdrawal of quinapril, may occur for those who take this medication. Contact your doctor if you develop a cough while taking quinapril.
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. If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
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 have reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Stop taking this
medication and get immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following:
- abdominal pain
- clay-colored stools
- dark urine
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- yellow skin or eyes
Low blood pressure: Occasionally, blood pressure drops too low after taking quinapril. This usually happens 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 salt-restricted diet, receive dialysis, are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, or have been sweating excessively and not drinking enough liquids. 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. If low blood pressure causes you to faint or feel lightheaded, contact your doctor.
Potassium: This medication may increase blood potassium levels, especially
in people who have kidney problems or diabetes or who are taking certain medications.
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 that contain 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 immediately 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?
There may be an interaction between quinapril and any of the following:
- 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 medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. 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.