What is Capoten/Captopril Used for?
Capoten is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney problems caused by diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack. Capoten is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
How should Capoten/Captopril be stored?
Store Capoten at room temperature away from temperature and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
General Information
When should Capoten/Captopril not be taken?
Do not use Capoten if you are allergic to captopril or to any other ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik). Do not use Capoten without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Capoten may pass through your breast milk and harm a nursing child.
What precautions should I follow when taking Capoten/Captopril?
Do not use Capoten without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Capoten could cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Stop using Capoten right away and call your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this medication. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or a connective tissue disorder before using Capoten. Tell your doctor about any prescription and non-prescription medications that you are using.
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Capoten/Captopril?
Avoid drinking alcohol when using Capoten. alcohol can lower your blood pressure even more and may increase some of the side effects of Capoten. Do not use potassium supplements while taking this medication unless advised by your doctor. Do not allow yourself to become dehydrated while taking Capoten. Drink plently of water.
What are the side effects of Capoten/Captopril?
Seek emergency medical attention if you have any signs of allergic reaction to Capoten such as: hives, severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor immediatly if you have any of these less serious side effects: feeling light-headed, fainting, urinating more or less tan usual, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fast pounding or uneven heartbeats, chest pain, or swelling and rapid weight gain. Less serious side effects include: cough, loss of taste, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, sores in the mouth or on the lips, nausea, mild diarrhea, constipation, or mild skin itching or skin rash.