This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Accupro is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ACE is involved in certain chemical reactions that constrict (narrow) blood vessels and cause sodium and fluid retention by the kidney. This can cause an increase in blood pressure. ACE inhibitors lower elevated blood pressure by interfering with ACE and cause blood vessels to relax (widen). Blood flows more freely and at a lower pressure. ACE inhibitors also increase the heart's ability to pump blood in some types of heart failure. Accupro is used for lowering high blood pressure and managing heart failure. It is used alone or with other medicines.

How to Take

For high blood pressure: adults - 10 to 20 mg once a day at first. Then, your doctor may increase your dosage up to 80 mg a day taken as a single dose or divided into two doses.

For congestive heart failure: adults - 5 mg twice a day at first. Then, your doctor may increase your dose to 20 to 40 mg a day taken in two divided doses.

Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Warning and Precautions

Accupro may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Accupro with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Accupro has magnesium in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has magnesium in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Accupro may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Accupro. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

The safety and effectiveness of Accupro in children have not been established.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Severe drops in blood pressure or weakness are the primary signs of an Accupro overdose.

Storage

Store Accupro at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Accupro out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

More common side effects may include: dizziness, headache.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Accupro. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.