Acuitel 20 mg Tablet

Acuitel 20 mg Tablet contains 20 mg of quinapril in each tablet. Quinapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to help lower high blood pressure and to treat heart failure in adults. This Acuitel 20 mg Tablet is a prescription medicine from Pfizer, India, supplied as a strip/box of 10 tablets. By reducing the strain on the heart and blood vessels, it can help protect against complications of uncontrolled blood pressure.

How it works: Quinapril in Acuitel 20 mg Tablet blocks an enzyme that makes a substance causing blood vessels to tighten. This helps blood vessels relax and widen, so blood can flow more easily and the heart does not have to work as hard.

Acuitel 20 mg Tablet is a mid-strength quinapril tablet, sitting above Acuitel 5 mg Tablet and below Acuitel 40 mg Tablet. It may be chosen when a doctor wants a stronger dose than 5 mg but does not yet need the higher 40 mg strength, or when a patient is being adjusted to a more effective maintenance dose. Because it is a 20 mg tablet, it is not the usual starting strength for many people.

• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Adjunct treatment to reduce cardiovascular strain
• Dose titration when a stronger ACE inhibitor tablet is needed

• Swallow the Acuitel 20 mg Tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew, or split unless your doctor says to.
• Take it at the same time each day to help you remember your dose.
• It may be taken with or without food; if it upsets your stomach, taking it with food may help.
• Stand up slowly after taking it, especially when first starting or after a dose increase, because it can lower blood pressure.
• If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose; do not double up.
• Follow the exact schedule your prescriber gives you, because the 20 mg strength may be part of a step-up dose plan.

Each Acuitel 20 mg Tablet provides 20 mg of quinapril per tablet. Depending on the condition being treated and your response, it may be taken once daily or divided into two doses; your doctor decides the schedule and can adjust it based on blood pressure, kidney function, and tolerability. Do not take more than the amount prescribed; the maximum daily dose is individualized and should only be set by your prescriber.

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

Common side effects of Quinapril may include:

• Dry cough
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Low blood pressure symptoms, which may be more noticeable with the 20 mg strength if you are sensitive to ACE inhibitors

• Acuitel 20 mg Tablet can cause a strong drop in blood pressure when first started or after a dose increase, so get up slowly from sitting or lying down.
• Do not use during pregnancy because ACE inhibitors can harm an unborn baby.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart failure, dehydration, or are on a salt-restricted diet.
• Use caution with alcohol because it can worsen dizziness and low blood pressure.
• Avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless your prescriber says they are safe for you.
• This tablet may not be appropriate if you have a history of angioedema from an ACE inhibitor.
• Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Acuitel 20 mg Tablet affects you.

• Potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes, or potassium-sparing diuretics
• Diuretics or other blood pressure medicines
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Lithium
• Other medicines that affect the renin-angiotensin system, such as ARBs or aliskiren

Store Acuitel 20 mg Tablet in its original strip/box at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct light.