APO 20 25 Pill: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings
The peach, round pill with the imprint APO 20 25 has been identified as a combination drug containing Hydrochlorothiazide and Quinapril Hydrochloride 25 mg / 20 mg supplied by Apotex Corp.. Quinapril belongs to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors and works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of drugs known as diuretics/”water pills.” It works by causing you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra salt and water.
APO 20 25 pill is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Hypertension may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take APO 20 25 pill?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• bone marrow disease
• decreased urine
• diabetes
• heart or blood vessel disease
• if you are on a special diet like a low salt diet
• immune system problems, like lupus
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• recent heart attack or stroke
• an unusual or allergic reaction to quinapril, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, insect venom, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take APO 20 25 pill?
Take APO 20 25 pill by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor’s advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with APO 20 25 pill?
Do not take this medication with any of the following medications:
• sacubitril; valsartan
This medicine may also interact with the following:
• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• blood pressure medicines
• corticosteroids like prednisone
• diabetic medications
• diuretics, especially potassium-sparing diuretics like triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride
• everolimus
• lithium
• NSAIDs, medication for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• potassium salts or potassium supplements
• prescription pain medicines
• sirolimus
• skeletal muscle relaxants like tubocurarine
• some cholesterol lowering medications like cholestyramine or colestipol
• temsirolimus
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice an irregular or fast heart beat.
You must not get dehydrated. Ask your doctor or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Check with him or her if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.
Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.
Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or health care professional.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.
What are the side effects of APO 20 25 pill?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• changes in vision
• confusion, dizziness, light headedness or fainting spells
• decreased amount of urine passed
• difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• eye pain
• fast or irregular heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
• muscle cramps
• nausea and vomiting
• persistent dry cough
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.
• stomach pain
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet
• unusual rash, bleeding or bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the skin
• worsened gout pain
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• change in sex drive or performance
• cough
• headache
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.