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What Is Quinapril?

Quinapril is a prescription angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension and as additional therapy for heart failure. It is available as oral tablets and has been marketed under the brand name Accupril. Quinapril is converted in the body to quinaprilat, which helps relax blood vessels and reduce the workload on the heart. Lowering elevated blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications, including stroke and heart attack. Quinapril carries a boxed warning for fetal toxicity because medications acting on the renin-angiotensin system can injure or kill a developing fetus. Its availability may differ among manufacturers and pharmacies.

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What Is Quinapril?

Quinapril is a prescription angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension and as additional therapy for heart failure. It is available as oral tablets and has been marketed under the brand name Accupril. Quinapril is converted in the body to quinaprilat, which helps relax blood vessels and reduce the workload on the heart. Lowering elevated blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications, including stroke and heart attack. Quinapril carries a boxed warning for fetal toxicity because medications acting on the renin-angiotensin system can injure or kill a developing fetus. Its availability may differ among manufacturers and pharmacies.

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How Does Quinapril Work?

Quinapril is converted to quinaprilat, its active metabolite, which inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme. This reduces the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a substance that normally constricts blood vessels and stimulates aldosterone secretion. Lower angiotensin II activity allows blood vessels to relax and decreases certain effects of fluid and sodium retention. These actions help lower blood pressure and reduce cardiac workload in patients with heart failure. ACE inhibition can also increase bradykinin activity, which contributes to some adverse effects, including persistent dry cough and angioedema. Quinapril controls cardiovascular conditions but does not permanently cure them.

What Conditions Does Quinapril Treat?

Quinapril is approved to treat hypertension and may be used alone or with other blood pressure medications, including diuretics. It is also approved as adjunctive treatment for heart failure when added to conventional therapy, such as diuretics or digitalis, when appropriate. Clinicians consider blood pressure, kidney function, potassium levels, and other medications before treatment. Quinapril is not intended for immediate treatment of a hypertensive emergency. It should not be used during pregnancy and is contraindicated in patients with a history of ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema. Patients receiving certain renin-angiotensin system medications may require alternative therapy because of serious interaction risks.

How Should Quinapril Be Taken?

Quinapril is taken orally, with dosing individualized according to the condition and clinical response. Adults with hypertension who are not taking a diuretic commonly begin at 10 mg to 20 mg once daily. Maintenance doses frequently range from 20 mg to 80 mg daily, given once daily or in divided doses. For heart failure, a common starting regimen is 5 mg twice daily, gradually increased as tolerated, with many patients receiving 20 mg to 40 mg daily in divided doses. Patients with reduced kidney function or those taking diuretics may require lower starting doses. Blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels should be monitored during treatment.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Quinapril?

Common adverse effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, cough, and low blood pressure. Serious risks include angioedema, kidney dysfunction, elevated potassium levels, and significant hypotension. Quinapril carries a boxed warning for fetal toxicity, and treatment should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is recognized under medical direction. Angioedema can cause dangerous swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat and requires emergency treatment. Combining quinapril with potassium supplements, certain diuretics, or other medications affecting the renin-angiotensin system can increase adverse effects. Patients should report persistent cough, fainting, reduced urination, or unusual weakness.

Common Questions About Quinapril

Is quinapril the same as Accupril?

Accupril is a brand name historically associated with quinapril hydrochloride, an ACE inhibitor used for hypertension and heart failure.

Can quinapril treat heart failure?

Yes. Quinapril is approved as additional treatment for heart failure alongside other appropriate medications.

Can quinapril cause a dry cough?

Yes. ACE inhibitors such as quinapril can cause a persistent dry cough. Patients should discuss troublesome symptoms with their clinician.

Is quinapril safe during pregnancy?

No. Quinapril carries a boxed warning for fetal toxicity and can seriously harm a developing fetus. Patients who become pregnant should contact their prescriber immediately.

References

DailyMed - QUINAPRIL tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a6cf2ffd-cf94-4f1c-a12e-ce0e93a6304d. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Quinapril. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548451/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Quinapril. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a692026.html. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Quinapril. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Quinapril. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Quinapril. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557398/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.