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Capoten Consumer Information

CAPOTEN

Generic Name: captopril (KAP toe pril)

Brand Names: Capoten

What is the most important information I should know about captopril?

• Do not take captopril if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, captopril can cause injury to, and even death of, the developing baby. 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 the 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.

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 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 the 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 a salt substitute, potassium supplement (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con), or potassium-sparing diuretic 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 be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, captopril can cause injury to, and even death of, the developing baby. Do not take captopril if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• 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 I 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.
• It is important to take captopril regularly to get the most benefit.
• Your doctor may want you to have blood pressure monitoring or other medical evaluations during treatment with captopril to monitor progress and side effects.
• Store captopril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of a captopril overdose include extreme dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I 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.