Quinapril
Pronunciation: KWIN-uh-pril.
- Generic name
- quinapril
- Brand names
- Quinapril, Qpril, Accupro, Quinapril Sandoz, Accupril, Quinapril Apotex
- Drug class
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What quinapril is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how quinapril works
Quinapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, thereby reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion. This leads to vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, and reduced cardiac workload. (2)
What quinapril is used for
Hypertension
Hypertension (2)
Heart failure
Heart failure (2)
Left ventricular dysfunction post-myocardial infarction
Left ventricular dysfunction post-myocardial infarction (2)
Before taking quinapril
Do not take / not appropriate for
- history of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor therapy, hereditary or idiopathic angioedema, pregnancy, and concomitant use with aliskiren in diabetic patients. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take quinapril
- General Instructions: Take quinapril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, usually once or twice daily.. Adult Dosing: For hypertension: Initial dose is typically 10-20 mg once daily; maintenance dose ranges from 20-80 mg per day, divided into one or two doses. For heart failure: Initial dose is 5 mg twice daily, titrated as needed.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established; use only if prescribed by a pediatric specialist.. Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Try to take it at the same time each day.. When To Stop: Do not stop taking quinapril without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well. Stopping suddenly may worsen your condition.. Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, or unusually fast or slow heartbeat. Seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center immediately. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Cough
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Fatigue
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Angioedema
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hyperkalemia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Renal impairment
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
FDA BOXED WARNING — FETAL TOXICITY (previously present on this page only as ordinary warning language, not flagged as the drug's boxed warning) — serious
Symptoms: FDA BOXED WARNING — FETAL TOXICITY (previously present on this page only as ordinary warning language, not flagged as the drug's boxed warning): When pregnancy is detected, quinapril should be discontinued as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system, including quinapril, can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
May cause angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat) — serious
Symptoms: May cause angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Monitor kidney function regularly. May increase potassium levels; monitor electrolytes. Use caution in patients with renal artery stenosis.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include history of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor therapy, hereditary or idiopathic angioedema, pregnancy, and concomitant use with aliskiren in diabetic patients. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, aortic stenosis, or those at risk for hyperkalemia.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Quinapril may interact with diuretics, other blood pressure medications, potassium supplements, lithium, NSAIDs, and certain diabetes medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking to avoid harmful interactions. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Quinapril carries an FDA boxed warning for fetal toxicity — see the first item under Serious Warnings above. When pregnancy is detected, quinapril should be discontinued as soon as possible; seek medical advice promptly if you are, or could become, pregnant while taking this medicine. (2)
Breastfeeding
Quinapril passes into breast milk, but at low levels — one study found it undetectable in milk by 6 hours after a dose, with a breastfed infant estimated to receive only about 1.6% of the mother's weight-adjusted dose, a level not expected to cause adverse effects. Still, tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to, so your individual situation can be assessed. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal: the FDA label requires a lower starting dose based on kidney function — see the clinician-facing dosing table below — because quinapril is substantially excreted by the kidneys and toxicity risk is greater with reduced renal function. Hepatic: quinapril is a prodrug converted to its active form (quinaprilat) partly via liver processing; the FDA label notes that quinaprilat levels are reduced in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, and hepatic failure has rarely been reported, but the label does not give a specific hepatic dose-adjustment recommendation — clinicians should use caution and individualized judgment in significant liver disease. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal: the FDA label requires a lower starting dose based on kidney function — see the clinician-facing dosing table below — because quinapril is substantially excreted by the kidneys and toxicity risk is greater with reduced renal function. Hepatic: quinapril is a prodrug converted to its active form (quinaprilat) partly via liver processing; the FDA label notes that quinaprilat levels are reduced in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, and hepatic failure has rarely been reported, but the label does not give a specific hepatic dose-adjustment recommendation — clinicians should use caution and individualized judgment in significant liver disease. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store quinapril tablets at room temperature, 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
Study the drug class: ACE inhibitors
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
United States (FDA)
Indication: Hypertension, normal renal function
Dose summary: Initial dose is 10 mg orally once daily (or 5 mg once daily in patients on a diuretic). Maintenance dose is typically 20 mg to 40 mg once daily, given as a single dose or in two divided doses.
Renal context: FDA-labeled dose reduction based on creatinine clearance (CrCl): for hypertension, CrCl >60 mL/min — max initial dose 10 mg/day; CrCl 30-60 mL/min — max initial dose 5 mg/day; CrCl 10-30 mL/min — max initial dose 2.5 mg/day; CrCl <10 mL/min — insufficient data for a specific recommendation. For heart failure with renal impairment, the recommended initial dose is 5 mg for CrCl above 30 mL/min and 2.5 mg for CrCl 10-30 mL/min. Because quinapril is substantially renally excreted, toxicity risk is greater with reduced renal function, and dosage should be titrated to response. (1) (2)
Hepatic guidance
Quinapril is a prodrug that requires hepatic de-esterification to its active metabolite, quinaprilat. The FDA label notes that quinaprilat concentrations are reduced in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (due to impaired conversion), and hepatic failure has rarely been reported in association with ACE inhibitors generally. The label does not give a specific numeric hepatic dose-adjustment schedule; clinicians should use caution and individualized monitoring in patients with significant liver disease.
Frequently asked questions
What is quinapril used for?
Quinapril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It helps lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.
How long does it take for quinapril to work?
You may start to notice lower blood pressure within a few hours, but it can take several weeks to see the full effect. Continue taking it as prescribed even if you feel well.
Can I take quinapril during pregnancy?
No. Quinapril should not be used during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn baby. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medication.
What should I do if I experience a persistent cough while taking quinapril?
A dry, persistent cough is a known side effect of ACE inhibitors like quinapril. If it bothers you, talk to your doctor. They may adjust your treatment.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking quinapril?
Alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of quinapril and may cause dizziness or fainting. Limit or avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
Can I stop taking quinapril if my blood pressure is normal?
Do not stop taking quinapril without consulting your doctor. Stopping suddenly may worsen your condition or increase your risk of complications.
What foods should I avoid while taking quinapril?
Avoid potassium-rich foods and salt substitutes unless your doctor advises otherwise, as quinapril can increase potassium levels.
What happens if I take too much Quinapril?
Taking too much Quinapril can lead to severe hypotension (low blood pressure), dizziness, fainting, and kidney problems. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention. It is crucial to follow your prescribed dosage carefully and never exceed it without consulting your healthcare provider.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Quinapril?
Drinking alcohol while taking Quinapril is generally not recommended. Alcohol can further lower blood pressure, increasing the risk of dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, especially when standing up. It can also exacerbate some side effects of Quinapril. Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor to understand the specific risks for your health.
Is Quinapril safe during pregnancy?
Quinapril is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, due to potential risks to the developing fetus. It falls under a pregnancy category that advises against its use. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is crucial to consult your doctor to discuss alternative treatments and ensure the safest approach for both you and your baby.
What is the mechanism of action of quinapril?
Quinapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, thereby reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion. This leads to vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, and reduced cardiac workload. (2)
What is the generic name of Quinapril?
The generic name is quinapril. It is sold under brand names including Quinapril, Qpril, Accupro, Quinapril Sandoz, Accupril, Quinapril Apotex.
What class of drug is quinapril?
Quinapril is classed as: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor.
References
- Quinapril: Clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal Internal Clinician Record · International · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- ACCUPRIL (quinapril hydrochloride) prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated 2017 · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- QUINAPRIL TABLET [NORTHWIND HEALTH COMPANY, LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- QUINAPRIL — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA205823)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- quinapril — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 235759)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient quinapril names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
Canada
- ACCUPRIL