Quinapril

The drug Quinapril is used as an ACE inhibitor. It’s prescribed to patients with diagnosed arterial hypertension and chronic heart failure. The drug has high bioavailability, due to which it quickly brings the parameters to normal and improves the patient's well-being. Uncontrolled intake can provoke side effects, so the drug is prescribed by a doctor and taken under supervision.

Form release and active ingredient

Quinapril medication - tablets for internal administration. One tablet contains 10 mg of the active component. Quinapril is a white crystalline powder. The shade may be irregular. The substance is well soluble in water. The drug is included in the form of hydrochloride. 

Pharmacological properties

Quinapril hydrochloride enters the bloodstream through the duodenum. The maximum concentration of the active component is registered after 1-2 hours. Food intake doesn’t affect bioavailability but may slow down the rate of absorption. It’s not recommended to take the tablets immediately after a fatty meal.

The active ingredient is absorbed by 60%. Its activation occurs under the action of liver enzymes by the formation of Quinaprilate. Metabolites are excreted mainly by the kidneys with the urine. 

The effect of taking the drug

Quinapril inhibits ACE, due to which the concentration of angiotensin is reduced. The drug works in the plasma, lungs, cardiac tissues, and vascular walls. The concentration and activity of the enzyme in the brain remains unchanged.

In the background of taking it:
 

• the metabolism of bradykinin and enkephalin is slowed;

• aldosterone secretion is partially blocked;

• the diameter of peripheral blood vessels expands;

• blood flow is accelerated;

• myocardial strain is reduced.
   

Quinapril hydrochloride has a complex effect. It’s a hypotensive and vasodilator drug with cardioprotective and natriuretic effects. 

Indications for administration

Quinapril promotes rapid stabilization of the condition in case of high blood pressure. As an independent remedy, the pills are prescribed for hypertension. As part of complex therapy, the reception is justified in case of heart failure in its chronic form. 

Contraindications to the appointment of Quinapril

The pills shouldn’t be used in case:
 

• hypersensitivity to the components;

• angioedema;

• lactase deficiency;

• diabetes mellitus;

• diabetic nephropathy;

• hyperkalemia;

• Renal dysfunction;

• pregnancy;

• lactation.

Minimum age for treatment

Quinapril medication is indicated for patients over 18 years of age. Efficacy and safety of use in children and adolescents have not been studied. 

Side effects during administration

Undesirable effects are usually expressed weakly and pass on their own without symptomatic therapy. Most commonly diagnosed are:
 

• headache;

• dizziness;

• rapid fatigue;

• cough;

• rhinitis;

• nausea;

• muscle pain;

• urticaria. 

In case of overdose, there are symptoms of excessive reduction of blood pressure - dizziness, tinnitus, weakness, visual disturbances. To increase the indicators to normal, it’s required to stop taking the drug. In case of severe intoxication, an intravenous injection of sodium chloride solution is recommended.

Hemodialysis is ineffective. Gastric lavage is acceptable if no more than 1-2 hours have passed since taking the tablet. If the patient with drug overdose is treated in time, the prognosis is positive.