ACUITEL 20mg Tablets

What is ACUITEL 20mg

ACUITEL 20 mg Tablets contain the active ingredient Quinapril (as hydrochloride), an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. Each box contains 30 tablets, packed in 10s blister strips.

• Drug Class: ACE Inhibitor
• Primary Uses:
• Treatment of essential hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Management of congestive heart failure (as adjunctive therapy)
• Slows progression of kidney damage in hypertensive patients with diabetes
• Mechanism: It helps relax blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow.
• Form: Oral tablet, typically administered once or twice daily

By controlling blood pressure, ACUITEL reduces the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is commonly prescribed in both monotherapy and in combination with diuretics or beta-blockers.

How to use ACUITEL 20mg

Proper administration of ACUITEL maximizes its therapeutic benefit while minimizing side effects. It should always be taken under medical supervision.

• Route: Oral administration
• Timing: Once or twice daily as directed by your physician
• With or Without Food: Can be taken with or without food, but consistency is advised
• General Instructions:
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water
• Take the dose at the same time each day to maintain even blood levels
• Do not stop the medication abruptly without medical advice
• Missed Dose:
• If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's near the time for the next dose
• Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one

Always monitor your blood pressure regularly and follow dietary and exercise recommendations provided by your doctor.

Mode of Action ACUITEL 20mg

Quinapril, the active ingredient in ACUITEL, is an ACE inhibitor that acts by targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), a critical regulator of blood pressure and fluid balance.

• Inhibition of ACE: Quinapril inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II – a potent vasoconstrictor.
• Vasodilation: By decreasing angiotensin II levels, blood vessels relax and dilate, resulting in lowered blood pressure.
• Reduced Aldosterone Secretion: This leads to decreased sodium and water retention, reducing blood volume and pressure.
• Decreased Afterload: In heart failure, the reduced vascular resistance decreases cardiac workload and improves cardiac output.
• Nephroprotective Effects: Particularly beneficial in diabetic patients, as it helps reduce proteinuria and slow kidney disease progression.

This mechanism contributes to Quinapril’s dual benefits in controlling hypertension and managing chronic heart failure, making it an essential component of long-term cardiovascular therapy.

ACUITEL 20mg Interactions ACUITEL 20mg

Quinapril may interact with several classes of drugs, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse effects. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are using.

• Drug-Drug Interactions:
• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide): May enhance blood pressure-lowering effect, increasing the risk of hypotension
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., Spironolactone): Risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels)
• NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen): May reduce antihypertensive efficacy and impair renal function
• Lithium: Increased risk of lithium toxicity
• Other antihypertensives: Additive hypotensive effect
• Antidiabetic medications: ACE inhibitors may enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose-lowering effects
• Food Interactions:
• Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium
• High potassium diets may increase risk of hyperkalemia

Close monitoring of renal function, serum electrolytes, and blood pressure is recommended when used with these interacting agents.

Dosage of ACUITEL 20mg

Dosage should be individualized based on the indication, patient response, and presence of any comorbid conditions. ACUITEL is available as 20 mg tablets, and dosage adjustments may be required for renal impairment.

• For Hypertension:
• Initial dose: 10–20 mg once daily
• Maintenance dose: 20–40 mg per day (in single or divided doses)
• Maximum dose: 80 mg/day
• For Heart Failure:
• Start with a lower dose: 5 mg twice daily
• Titrate upward as tolerated to 10–20 mg twice daily
• Special Populations:
• Elderly: Start at lower dose due to increased sensitivity
• Renal Impairment: Dose adjustments required depending on creatinine clearance

Always follow your doctor’s dosage instructions. Do not self-adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider.

Possible side effects of ACUITEL 20mg

Like all medications, ACUITEL may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and transient, but some may require medical attention.

• Common Side Effects:
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially after the first dose)
• Fatigue
• Dry cough (persistent, often non-productive)
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort
• Less Common or Serious Side Effects:
• Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium)
• Kidney function impairment
• Hypotension, especially after initiation or dose increase
• Rash or skin reactions
• Rare but Severe Reactions:
• Angioedema – swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat (requires emergency care)
• Liver enzyme elevation or jaundice

Contact your physician immediately if you experience swelling, severe dizziness, fainting, or signs of an allergic reaction.

ACUITEL 20mg Contraindications ACUITEL 20mg

ACUITEL should not be used in certain medical conditions due to risk of serious complications.

• Absolute Contraindications:
• History of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor therapy
• Known hypersensitivity to Quinapril or any component of the formulation
• Pregnancy (especially second and third trimester) – risk of fetal injury and death
• Concomitant use with aliskiren in diabetic patients
• Relative Contraindications (Use with Caution):
• Severe renal impairment or bilateral renal artery stenosis
• Hyperkalemia
• Hypotension or hypovolemia
• Aortic stenosis or obstructive cardiomyopathy

It is important to review your complete medical history with your doctor before starting ACUITEL to ensure it is safe for you.

Storage of ACUITEL 20mg

Proper storage of ACUITEL ensures drug potency and effectiveness until the expiration date.

• Storage Conditions:
• Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F–86°F)
• Keep tablets in their original blister packaging to protect from moisture and light
• Handling:
• Do not remove tablets from blister until use
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Disposal:
• Do not use after the expiration date
• Dispose of unused medicine via pharmacy take-back programs or follow local disposal guidelines

Improper storage can reduce effectiveness and increase the risk of adverse effects. Do not store in humid areas like bathrooms.