Capoten (Captopril) is an antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering agent) known as an ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors are drugs that suppress the activity of the enzyme ACE and decrease the output of angiotonin II. As a effect, blood vessels enlarge and blood pressure is decreased. The lower blood pressure makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and can improve the work of a failing heart. In addition, progression of the blood vessel disease within the kidney caused by hypertension or diabetes is slowed. FDA approved captopril in April 1981. Captopril controls high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels. High blood pressure levels can damage your kidneys, and may lead to a stroke or heart failure. Captopril also can help to treat coronary failure (heart does not pump strongly enough) and certain kidney disorders.
What should I tell my doctor before I take Capoten?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
autoimmune disease or collagen-vascular disease (such as lupus)
suppressed immune function
previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema)
bone marrow disease
heart or blood vessel disease
liver disease
low blood pressure
kidney disease
if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet
an unusual or allergic reaction to captopril, other ACE inhibitors, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breastfeeding
How should I take Capoten?
Take Capoten by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take Capoten on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take more medicine than directed. Do not stop taking Capoten except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of Capoten in children. Special care may be needed.
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 drug(s) may interact with captopril?
antacids
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
digoxin
gold compounds, often used for arthritis
heparin
lithium
medicines for diabetes
medicines for high blood pressure
MAOIs - monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar.
potassium salts
probenecid
diuretics
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your doctor if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking captopril?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:
chest pain, uneven or fast pulse, palpitations
decreased or increased amount of urine passed
trouble breathing, or trouble swallowing
dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells
fever or chills
numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes
roseola, itching
swelling of your face, lips, or tongue
swelling of your legs or ankles
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
cough
loss of taste
fatigue or tiredness
increased sensitivity to the sun
What should I watch for while taking captopril?
Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking captopril. Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Call your doctor if you notice an uneven or fast heart beat. Do not treat yourself for a fever or sore throat; check with your doctor as these may be the result of a captopril side effect.
Check with your doctor if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of body fluid can make it dangerous to take captopril.
You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how captopril affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking captopril.
Avoid salt substitutes or other foods or substances high in potassium salts.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking captopril without asking your doctor for advice.
Antacid can stop captopril working. If you want to take antacid for an upset stomach, make sure there is an interval of at least 2 hours since you last took captopril, or 4 hours before your next dose.
Captopril can alter certain lab test results, giving a false-positive for urine ketone tests.
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.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Additional ACE inhibitors include Vasotec, Altace, Lotensin and Zestril.
|
