Accuzide Forte 20/12.5 mg Tablet

Accuzide Forte 20/12.5 mg Tablet is a prescription medicine that combines quinapril 20 mg with hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg in each tablet. It belongs to the ACE inhibitor and thiazide diuretic classes, which work together to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications from hypertension. Accuzide Forte 20/12.5 mg Tablet is used for adults whose blood pressure needs combination treatment rather than a single medicine alone. It is not a fast-acting rescue medicine for sudden chest pain or a hypertensive emergency.

How it works: In this tablet, quinapril relaxes blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, while hydrochlorothiazide helps the body remove extra salt and water through the urine. Together, these actions lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart.

Accuzide Forte 20/12.5 mg Tablet is the lower-diuretic sibling compared with Accuzide Forte 20/25 mg Tablet, so it delivers the same quinapril amount but less hydrochlorothiazide. That can suit people who need blood-pressure control with a gentler diuretic effect, especially if a doctor wants to limit fluid loss, dizziness, or low potassium risk. A clinician may choose this strength when combination therapy is appropriate but a stronger water-pill effect is not needed.

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Combination treatment when one medicine is not enough
• Blood pressure control to help lower long-term cardiovascular risk
• Adults needing quinapril plus a lower-dose diuretic tablet

• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it unless your prescriber tells you otherwise.
• Take it at the same time each day to help you remember doses.
• Because hydrochlorothiazide can increase urination, many people take Accuzide Forte 20/12.5 mg Tablet earlier in the day.
• You may take it with or without food if your doctor or pharmacist does not give different directions.
• Stand up slowly after taking it, especially when first starting, to reduce dizziness from lower blood pressure.
• Keep taking it regularly even if you feel well, since high blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Each Accuzide Forte 20/12.5 mg Tablet provides quinapril 20 mg plus hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg. The exact schedule is individualized by the doctor; it may be taken once daily, and the total daily amount should not exceed the prescribed dose for your situation. Do not increase or decrease the number of tablets on your own, because this strength is meant for patients whose blood pressure response and kidney status have been assessed.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Quinapril + Hydrochlorothiazide may include:

• Dizziness, especially when standing up
• Headache
• Tiredness or weakness
• Increased urination
• Dry cough
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness, which may be a bit more noticeable early in treatment

• Do not use Accuzide Forte 20/12.5 mg Tablet if you are pregnant, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Use caution if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, gout, or a history of dehydration.
• This tablet may lower blood pressure too much when combined with alcohol, hot weather, vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating.
• Stand up slowly, since dizziness and fainting can happen when blood pressure drops.
• Tell your prescriber about any history of angioedema or severe swelling reactions to ACE inhibitors.
• Hydrochlorothiazide can affect potassium, sodium, uric acid, and blood sugar, so lab monitoring may be needed.
• Be careful with driving or operating machinery until you know how Accuzide Forte 20/12.5 mg Tablet affects you.

• Potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium, and potassium-sparing diuretics
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which can reduce effect and strain the kidneys
• Lithium, which may become toxic when combined with diuretics and ACE inhibitors
• Other blood pressure medicines, including diuretics and vasodilators, which can cause additive low blood pressure
• Medications that raise potassium or affect kidney function

Store Accuzide Forte 20/12.5 mg Tablet in its original strip/box at room temperature, away from moisture and excessive heat.