Accuretic combines two types of blood pressure medication. The first, quinapril hydrochloride, is an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor. It works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form (angiotensin II) that increases salt and water retention in the body and causes the blood vessels to constrict---two actions that tend to increase blood pressure. To aid in clearing excess water from the body, Accuretic also contains hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that promotes production of urine. Diuretics often wash too much potassium out of the body along with the water. However, the ACE inhibitor part of Accuretic tends to keep potassium in the body, thereby canceling this unwanted effect.

Accuretic is not used for the initial treatment of high blood pressure. It is saved for later use, when a single blood pressure medication is not sufficient for the job. In addition, some doctors are using Accuretic along with other drugs to treat congestive heart failure.

Most important fact about Accuretic

You must take Accuretic regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Accuretic; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Accuretic does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.