Captopril
 
What is Captopril and why is it prescribed?
Captopril is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. When prescribed for high blood pressure, it is effective used alone or combined with diuretics. If it is prescribed for congestive heart failure, it is used in combination with digitalis and diuretics. Captopril 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. In addition, Captopril is used to improve survival in certain people who have suffered heart attacks and to treat kidney disease in diabetics. Some doctors also prescribe Captopril for angina pectoris, Raynaud's phenomenon, and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Captopril regularly for it to be effective. Captopril does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control.

How should you take Captopril?
Follow your doctors directions for taking Captopril. Captopril should be taken 1 hour before meals. If you are taking an antacid such as Mylanta, take it 2 hours prior to Captopril. Stopping Captopril 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. Store Captopril at room temperature, away from moisture, in a tightly closed container.

Are there any Captopril side effects?
Captopril side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Captopril side effects may include itching, loss of taste, low blood pressure, and rash. Less common or rare Captopril side effects may include abdominal pain, anemia, angina pectoris, blisters, blurred vision, breast development in males, cardiac arrest, changes in heart rhythm, chest pain, confusion, constipation, cough, depression, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, fever and chills, flushing, general feeling of ill health, hair loss, headache, heart attack, heart failure, impotence, inability to sleep, indigestion, inflammation of the nose, inflammation of the tongue, labored breathing, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, lung inflammation, muscle pain and/or weakness, nausea, nervousness, pallor, palpitations, peptic ulcer, rapid heartbeat, sensitivity to light, skin inflammation, skin peeling, sleepiness, sore throat, stomach irritation, stroke, sudden fainting or loss of strength, swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, or arms and legs, tingling or pins and needles, vomiting, weakness, wheezing, and yellow eyes and skin.

What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Captopril?
If Captopril 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. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Captopril with Allopurinol (Zyloprim), Aspirin, Blood pressure drugs known as beta blockers (such as Inderal and Tenormin), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Diuretics (such as HydroDIURIL), Lithium (Lithonate), Nitroglycerin and similar heart medicines (Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro, others), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Indocin and Feldene), Potassium preparations (such as Micro-K and Slow-K), or Potassium-sparing diuretics (such as Aldactone and Midamor). Do not use potassium-containing salt substitutes while taking Captopril.

Are there any special warnings about Captopril?
If you develop swelling of the face around your lips, tongue or throat (or of your arms and legs) or have difficulty swallowing, you should stop taking Captopril and contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment. If you are receiving bee or wasp venom to prevent an allergic reaction to stings, use of Captopril at the same time may cause a severe allergic reaction. If you are taking Captopril, a complete assessment of your kidney function should be done and your kidney function should continue to be monitored. If you have kidney disease, Captopril should be used only if you have taken other blood pressure medications and your doctor has determined that the results were unsatisfactory. Some people taking Captopril have had a severe allergic reaction during kidney dialysis. If you are taking Captopril for your heart, be careful not to increase physical activity too quickly. Check with your doctor as to how much exercise is safe for you. If you are taking Captopril for congestive heart failure, your blood pressure may drop temporarily after the first few doses and you may feel light-headed for a time. Your doctor should monitor you closely when you start taking the medication or when your dosage is increased. If you are taking high doses of diuretics and Captopril, you may develop excessively low blood pressure. Your doctor may reduce your diuretic dose so that your blood pressure doesn't drop too far. If you notice a yellow coloring to your skin or the whites of your eyes, stop taking the drug and notify your doctor immediately. You could be developing a liver problem. Captopril may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. Dehydration may cause a drop in blood pressure. If you experience symptoms such as excessive perspiration, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, notify your doctor immediately. If you develop a sore throat or fever you should contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness. If you develop a persistent, dry cough, tell your doctor. It may be due to the medication and, if so, will disappear if you stop taking Captopril.
 

Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor.
 

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