Captopril-Oral - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

Captopril-Oral
Capoten

Uses
Captopril belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. Captopril is also used with other drugs (e.g., water pills /diuretics, digoxin) to treat congestive heart failure, after an acute heart attack to improve survival, and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
It is normal for Captopril to have a slight sulfur-like odor.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include: unusually fast or slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, or fainting.

Photos

How To Use

Take Captopril by mouth, usually two to three times a day; or as directed by your doctor.
Take Captopril on an empty stomach, one hour before a meal.
Use Captopril regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Captopril can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeats.
Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 2 to 4 weeks before the full benefit of Captopril occurs.
It may take several weeks or months to see the full benefit when Captopril is used for congestive heart failure.
It is important to continue taking Captopril even if you feel well.
Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Side Effects

You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of taste, dry cough or blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, decreased sexual ability, fast/pounding heartbeat, chest pain.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat).
Captopril may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems.
If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, persistent nausea.
An allergic reaction to Captopril is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Captopril should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using Captopril, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: allergies to other ACE inhibitors (e.g., benazepril, lisinopril), history of an allergic reaction which included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema).
Before using Captopril, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, heart problems, severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium), diabetes (poorly controlled), strokes, blood vessel disease (e.g., collagen vascular diseases such as lupus, scleroderma), any allergies in addition to those listed above (including allergies to bee or wasp stings, or exposure to certain membranes used for blood filtering).
Captopril may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness due to lowering of your blood pressure, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Serious loss of body fluids can also lower your blood pressure and worsen dizziness.
Drink adequate fluids to prevent from becoming dehydrated.
If you are on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions.
Be careful not to become too overheated during exercise which can lead to excessive sweating.
Consult your doctor if you experience severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Captopril may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps.
Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Captopril.
Caution is advised when using Captopril in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Captopril, especially the dizziness effect.
Caution is advised when using Captopril in children because they may be more sensitive to certain effects of Captopril (e.g., excessive or prolonged decrease in blood pressure, change in the amount of urine, seizures).
Captopril should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy.
It is not recommended for use during the last six months of the pregnancy due to the risk for fetal harm.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
See also the Warning section.
Captopril passes into breast milk.
While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Before using Captopril, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: potassium-sparing water pills (diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), water pills (diuretics such as furosemide), potassium supplements (e.g., potassium chloride) or salt substitutes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., celecoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin), lithium, drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., azathioprine), other high blood pressure medications, other heart drugs (e.g., digoxin).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure.
Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
This product can affect the results of certain lab tests.
Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Captopril.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.