Quinaretic

How Does Quinaretic Work?

Quinaretic 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 (a type of drug 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 effects of both Accupril and hydrochlorothiazide, Quinaretic can lower blood pressure. As a result of its combined effects, Quinaretic causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.

 

Effects of Quinaretic

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80 mmHg. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in people taking Quinaretic.

 

By lowering blood pressure, Quinaretic can decrease the risk of developing health problems (such as a heart attack or stroke) that can occur as a result of long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).