Capoten (Captopril)

General information

Capoten belongs to the group of medications known as ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, kidney problems caused by diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Capoten works by blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme and relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

Directions

Take Capoten exactly as prescribed by your doctor. An initial low dose of 6.25 mg may be recommended to see if side effects develop. The usual recommended doses range from 12.5 mg 3 times daily to 150 mg 3 times daily. The dose to control blood pressure does not usually go above 50 mg 3 times daily. The maximum dose of captopril is 450 mg daily in 3 divided doses. The recommended starting dosage for most people with high blood pressure (hypertension) is 25 mg two times a day or 25 mg three times a day. The recommended starting dosage for people with congestive heart failure is 25 mg three times a day. The recommended dose for diabetic nephropathy is 25 mg three times a day. Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before meals).

Precautions

Before taking Capoten you should talk with your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, liver disease, cirrhosis, kidney disease, kidney failure, diabetes, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), angioedema (swelling under the skin), high level of potassium in the blood, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements.

Contraindications

You should not take Capoten if you are allergic to captopril or to any of the ingredients of the medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have experienced angioedema after taking any of the class of medications known as ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril).

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have dizziness, uneven heartbeats, drowsiness, chills, cough, body aches, headache, feeling lightheaded, fainting, fever, bleeding, dry mouth, urinating more or less than usual, loss of appetite, rapid weight gain, pale skin, flu symptoms, sleep problems (insomnia), loss of taste sensation, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, hives, skin itching, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ketoprofen, indomethacin, ibuprofen, naproxen), aspirin, potassium supplements (K-Dur, Klor-Con), diuretics (furosemide, metolazone, chlorthalidone), lithium, potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are feeling extremely dizzy, lightheaded, fainting, fast heartbeat.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.