|
What is Captopril
 Captopril
is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme
inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).
Captopril
is used to lower blood pressure, to relieve symptoms of congestive
heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling of the legs),
to improve survival after a heart attack, and to prevent kidney
disease in some diabetic patients.
Captopril
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Captopril
Do not take Captopril if you are pregnant or planning
a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters
of pregnancy, Captopril can cause injury and even death
to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately
if you think you might be pregnant.
Captopril may
increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before
taking Captopril, tell your doctor if you have ever had
an allergic reaction that involved swelling of your lips,
face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency
medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms while
taking Captopril.
Use caution when driving, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Captopril
may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness
or drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor.
Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes
of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness,
and fainting during therapy with Captopril. Maintain proper
fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.
Who should not take Captopril Captopril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic
reactions. Before taking Captopril, tell your doctor if
you have ever had an allergic reaction that involved swelling
of your lips, face, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing.
Seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these
symptoms while taking Captopril.
Before taking Captopril,
tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease;
-
have liver disease;
- are on a salt-restricted diet
or have high levels of potassium in your blood;
-
are taking salt substitutes, potassium supplements (e.g.,
K-Dur, Klor-Con), or potassium-sparing diuretics such as
amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide),
or spironolactone (Aldactone);
- have diabetes;
-
have scleroderma or lupus; or
- have any type of
heart disease or have had a stroke.
You may not be
able to take Captopril, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of
the conditions listed above.
Captopril is in the
FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Captopril is known
to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and
third trimesters of pregnancy, Captopril can cause injury
and even death to the developing fetus. Do not take Captopril
if you are pregnant.
Captopril passes into breast
milk, and its effects on a nursing baby are not known. Do
not take Captopril without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Captopril Take Captopril exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Take Captopril on
an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals unless
your doctor directs otherwise.
Do not stop taking
Captopril without first talking to your doctor. If you stop
taking this medication suddenly, your condition could become
worse.
Store Captopril at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Captopril overdose include extreme dizziness, weakness,
fainting, and fatigue.
Avoid while taking Captopril Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Captopril may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities and notify your doctor.
Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower
blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while
you are taking Captopril.
Do not use salt substitutes
or potassium supplements while taking Captopril except under
the supervision of your doctor.
Heavy sweating, vomiting,
diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very
low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy
with Captopril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent
dehydration and related side effects.
Possible side effects of Captopril If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Captopril and call your doctor immediately
or seek emergency medical treatment:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
difficulty breathing;
- little or no urine;
-
an irregular heartbeat or changes in your heartbeat;
-
chest pain;
- severe dizziness or fainting; or
-
signs of an infection including a sore throat or a fever.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely
to occur. Continue to take Captopril and talk to your doctor
if you experience
- headache;
- mild dizziness
or lightheadedness;
- fatigue;
- dry, tickling
cough;
- anxiety or depression;
- numbness
or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs;
-
upset stomach;
- taste disturbances; or
-
a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect
that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Captopril Before taking Captopril, tell your doctor if you
are taking any of the following drugs:
- a potassium
supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;
-
salt substitutes that contain potassium;
- any of
the diuretics (water pills) triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide,
Dyazide), spironolactone (Aldactone), or amiloride (Midamor);
- any other diuretic (water pill) such as hydrochlorothiazide
(HCTZ, HydroDiuril, others), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide
(Bumex), indapamide (Lozol), and others;
- nitrates
such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Transderm-Nitro, Nitro-Dur,
Nitro-Bid, Minitran, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur,
ISMO), isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil, Sorbitrate);
-
lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others);
- digoxin (Lanoxin);
or
- aspirin or indomethacin (Indocin).
You
may not be able to take Captopril, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment
if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Captopril
or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
|
