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Capozide |
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What is Capozide and why is it prescribed? Capozide is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It combines an ACE inhibitor with a thiazide diuretic. Captopril, the ACE inhibitor, works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form that increases salt and water retention in your body. Captopril also enhances blood flow throughout your blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide, the diuretic, helps your body produce and eliminate more urine, which helps in lowering blood pressure. You must take Capozide regularly for it to be effective. Capozide does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Capozide? Follow your doctors directions for taking Capozide. Capozide should be taken 1 hour before meals. Take it exactly as prescribed. Stopping Capozide suddenly could cause your blood pressure to increase. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Capozide should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from moisture. Are there any Capozide side effects? Capozide side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Capozide side effects may include itching, loss of taste, low blood pressure, and rash. Less common or rare Capozide side effects may include abdominal pain, anemia, angina pectoris, angioedema, blurred vision, breast development in males, bronchitis, bronchospasm, changes in heart rhythm, chest pain, confusion, constipation, cough, cramping, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, dizziness upon standing up, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue, fever, flushing, general feeling of ill health, hair loss, headache, heart attack, heart failure, hepatitis, hives, inability to sleep, indigestion, impotence, inflammation of nose, inflammation of tongue, labored breathing, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, low potassium levels leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain or cramps, muscle weakness, muscle spasm, nausea, nervousness, pallor, peptic ulcer, rapid heartbeat, Raynaud's Syndrome, restlessness, sensitivity to light, severe allergic reactions, skin inflammation and/or peeling, sleepiness, stomach irritation, stroke, tingling or pins and needles, vomiting, vertigo, weakness, wheezing, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Capozide? If Capozide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Capozide may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Capozide with Antigout drugs (such as Zyloprim), Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital or Seconal Calcium), Cardiac glycosides (such as Lanoxin), Cholestyramine (Questran), Colestipol (Colestid), Corticosteroids (such as prednisone/Deltasone), Diabetes medications (such as Micronase and Insulin), Diazoxide (Proglycem), Heart medications (such as Lanoxin), Lithium (Lithonate), MAO inhibitors (antidepressants such as Nardil), Methenamine (Mandelamine), Narcotics (such as Percocet), Nitroglycerin or other nitrates (such as Transderm-Nitro), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Naprosyn), Norepinephrine (Levophed), Oral blood thinners (such as Coumadin), Other blood pressure drugs (such as Hytrin and Minipress), Potassium-sparing diuretics (such as Moduretic), Potassium supplements (such as Slow K), Probenecid (Benemid), Salt substitutes containing potassium, or Sulfinpyrazone (Anturane). Are there any special warnings about Capozide? If you develop swelling of your face around your lips, tongue, or throat, or in your arms and legs, or if you begin to have difficulty swallowing, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment. If you develop a sore throat or fever you should contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness. If you are taking Capozide, your doctor will make a complete assessment of your kidney function and will continue to monitor it. If you have impaired kidney function, Capozide should be used only if you have taken other blood pressure medications and your doctor has determined that the results were unsatisfactory. If you have liver disease or a disease of the connective tissue called lupus erythematosus, Capozide should be used with caution. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice a yellowish color in your skin or the whites of your eyes. If you have congestive heart failure, you should be carefully watched for low blood pressure. You should not increase your physical activity too quickly. Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could deplete your fluids and cause your blood pressure to become too low. Be careful when exercising and in hot weather. Capozide should be used with caution if you are on dialysis. There have been reports of extreme allergic reactions during dialysis in people taking ACE-inhibitor medications such as Capozide. Your odds of an allergic reaction also increase if you are being desensitized with bee venom while you are taking Capozide. While taking Capozide, do not use potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor first. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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