Accuretic

Accuretic is a combination medicine that is licensed for the treatment of high blood pressure in adults. The medication, which is composed of a diuretic and an ACE inhibitor, reduces blood pressure levels by relaxing blood vessels and decreasing blood volume. Potential side effects of Accuretic may include headache, cough, dizziness, and fatigue. The medicine is available by prescription and comes in the form of a tablet that is taken once daily.

 

What Is Accuretic?

Accuretic® (quinapril HCL-hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medicine used for controlling high blood pressure in adults. Accuretic is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 
Accuretic has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click Accuretic Uses for more information on what Accuretic is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Accuretic?

Accuretic is manufactured by Pfizer.
 

How Does Accuretic Work?

Accuretic is a combination of two medicines --
 Accupril® (quinapril hydrochloride) 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 (HCT for short) 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.
 
(Accuretic Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;