Accuretic Uses

Uses for Accuretic: An Overview

Accuretic^® (quinapril HCL-hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to control high blood pressure (hypertension).

 

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 with multiple blood pressure readings.

 

Based on clinical studies, Accuretic has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The higher the dose of Accuretic, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be. By lowering blood pressure, Accuretic can decrease the risk of developing health problems (such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure) that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). Accuretic is not a cure for high blood pressure.

 

How Does Accuretic Work?

Accuretic is a combination of two medicines -- Accupril^® (quinapril) and hydrochlorothiazide. Accupril is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short. Accupril helps to block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is normally part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking this enzyme, Accupril causes blood vessels to relax.

 

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.

 

Because of the effect of both Accupril and hydrochlorothiazide, Accuretic can lower blood pressure. Because of its combined effects, Accuretic causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.