Quinapril Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

GoodRx Health

If you have high blood pressure, you may be prescribed a medication such as quinapril. Quinapril belongs to a common class of blood pressure medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It's also added to other medications to manage heart failure.

Quinapril comes in a tablet that's taken once or twice a day. But how much you take can depend on your age, health conditions, and other medications you take. Below, we cover typical quinapril dosages, recommended adjustments, and what to do if you miss your dose.

What's the typical quinapril dosage?

Quinapril is an oral tablet medication that's FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure and manage heart failure in adults. It's available in the following doses:

• 5 mg

• 10 mg

• 20 mg

• 40 mg

You can take quinapril with or without food. If taking it on an empty stomach makes you feel nauseous, you can try taking it with a small meal or snack.

High blood pressure

The typical quinapril dosage for high blood pressure ranges from 10 mg to 80 mg per day. The starting dosage is usually 10 mg or 20 mg by mouth once a day.

Based on how your blood pressure responds, your quinapril dose may be increased every 2 weeks up to a maximum dose of 80 mg per day. Higher doses may be split into two smaller doses. If you're taking other blood pressure medications, you may not need as high of a quinapril dose.

If you're taking quinapril once a day and your blood pressure seems to be rising before your next dose, talk to your prescriber. This may be another reason that they have you take the medication twice a day instead of once a day.

Heart failure

The usual quinapril starting dosage for heart failure is 5 mg by mouth twice a day. If you tolerate this dose well, your prescriber will likely increase it in weekly intervals until you reach a dose that's effective and safe for you. This is typically 20 mg or 40 mg per day, divided into two equal doses. Your dose may be decreased if your blood pressure drops too low.

If your prescriber feels that you have a risk of low blood pressure from quinapril, they may recommend taking your first dose in the healthcare facility. That way, they can monitor your blood pressure after you take it.

Are there any dosage adjustments for health conditions, age, or interactions?

Some medications need dosage adjustments based on your kidney or liver function. Adjustments may also be needed based on age. With quinapril, you may need a different dose if you have kidney problems or are 65 or older. Drug interactions should also be considered when you're starting quinapril.

Kidney problems

Quinapril is removed from the body by the kidneys. So if you have kidney damage, your body may not be able to remove quinapril as well. This can cause it to build up in your body, increasing the risk of side effects.

A lower quinapril dose is recommended for people with kidney problems. The dose you take depends on how well your kidneys are working, which is estimated by your creatinine clearance.

Age 65 or older

For people who are age 65 or older, the manufacturer recommends a starting quinapril dosage of 10 mg once daily. From there, the dose can be increased to your optimal dose.

Drug interactions

Diuretics (water pills) are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure. When they're taken with an ACE inhibitor, it's possible for your blood pressure to drop too low. In some cases, your prescriber may have you stop taking the diuretic when you start quinapril. But if that's not possible, they may start your quinapril dose at 5 mg once daily.

Be sure to share your medication list with your healthcare team. This will help them screen for and manage possible interactions with quinapril.

What happens if you miss a dose of quinapril?

If you forget to take a dose of quinapril, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then continue with your regular schedule. Don't take a double or extra dose to make up for a missed dose.

Missing a dose of quinapril occasionally likely won't cause significant problems. You may notice that your blood pressure is higher than usual, though. And if you're missing doses frequently, talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about how to stay on schedule. Using medication reminder apps or setting an alarm on your phone can help.

What should you do if you take too much quinapril?

Taking too much quinapril can increase your chances of having side effects. Possible side effects include low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness, and high potassium levels (hyperkalemia).

If you realize you've taken too much quinapril, it's a good idea to talk with your prescriber or pharmacist for guidance. You can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Taking large amounts of quinapril can cause more severe symptoms, such as chest pain, racing heartbeat, or fainting. If your symptoms feel severe or life-threatening, go to the nearest ER or call 911 to get immediate medical attention.

How to save on quinapril

Quinapril is available as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 75% off the average retail price of generic quinapril. Generic quinapril's price at certain pharmacies is as low as $18.00with a free GoodRx discount.

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