Quinapril

The Basics

What is Quinapril?

Used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure or to treat heart failure. Decreases certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Brand names for Quinapril

Accupril

How Quinapril is classified

Antihypertensive Agents, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, ACE Inhibitors, ACEIs

Quinapril During Pregnancy

Quinapril pregnancy category

Category D

Note that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Quinapril while pregnant

Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters ofpregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death.Resulting oligohydramnios can be associated with fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletaldeformations. Potential neonatal adverse effects include skull hypoplasia, anuria, hypotension,renal failure, and death. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue ACCUPRIL as soon aspossible. These adverse outcomes are usually associated with use of these drugs in the secondand third trimester of pregnancy. Most epidemiologic studies examining fetal abnormalities afterexposure to antihypertensive use in the first trimester have not distinguished drugs affecting therenin-angiotensin system from other antihypertensive agents. Appropriate management ofmaternal hypertension during pregnancy is important to optimize outcomes for both mother andfetus.In the unusual case that there is no appropriate alternative to therapy with drugs affecting therenin-angiotensin system for a particular patient, apprise the mother of the potential risk to thefetus. Perform serial ultrasound examinations to assess the intra-amniotic environment. Ifoligohydramnios is observed, discontinue ACCUPRIL, unless it is considered life-saving for themother. Fetal testing may be appropriate, based on the week of pregnancy. Patients andphysicians should be aware, however, that oligohydramnios may not appear until after the fetushas sustained irreversible injury. Closely observe infants with histories of in utero exposure toACCUPRIL for hypotension, oliguria, and hyperkalemia (see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use).No teratogenic effects of ACCUPRIL were seen in studies of pregnant rats and rabbits. On amg/kg basis, the doses used were up to 180 times (in rats) and one time (in rabbits) the maximumrecommended human dose.

Taking Quinapril While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Quinapril?

Because of the low levels of quinapril in breastmilk, amounts ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Because of the low levels of quinapril in breastmilk, amounts ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.

Possible effects of Quinapril on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Quinapril

Benazepril, Captopril, Enalapril.