Information on Capozide and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

Capozide 25/15 Consumer Information

CAPOZIDE 25/15

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and captopril (hye droe klor oh THYE a zide and KAP toe prill)

Brand Names: Capozide 25/15, Capozide 25/25, Capozide 50/15, Capozide 50/25

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

  • 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 hydrochlorothiazide and captopril if you are pregnant.
  • Captopril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and 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 hydrochlorothiazide and captopril.
  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrochlorothiazide and captopril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and captopril?

  • Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It helps to lower your blood pressure and decrease edema (swelling) by increasing the amount of water and salt you lose in your urine.
  • Captopril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). Captopril is used to lower blood pressure and to relieve the symptoms of congestive heart failure, including shortness of breath and swelling of the legs.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and captopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and captopril may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take hydrochlorothiazide and captopril?

  • Do not take hydrochlorothiazide and captopril if you have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics. You may have an allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide.
  • Captopril may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and 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 hydrochlorothiazide and captopril.
  • Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril, tell your doctor if you
    • have diabetes,
    • have gout,
    • have a collagen vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma,
    • have pancreatitis;
    • have kidney disease,
    • have liver disease,
    • have a blood or bone marrow disease,
    • have any type of heart disease or have had a stroke,
    • 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); or
    • are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood.
  • You may not be able to take hydrochlorothiazide and 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 hydrochlorothiazide and captopril if you are pregnant.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and captopril pass into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
  • If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from hydrochlorothiazide and captopril. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and captopril?

  • Take hydrochlorothiazide and 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 hydrochlorothiazide and captopril on an empty stomach 1 hour before meals, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
  • To reduce nighttime urination, take hydrochlorothiazide and captopril before 6 p.m. and preferably in the morning.
  • Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking your medication, your condition could become worse.
  • Store hydrochlorothiazide and 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 your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Seek emergency medical attention.
  • Symptoms of a hydrochlorothiazide and captopril overdose might include increased urination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, weakness, fatigue, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril?

  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrochlorothiazide and captopril may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
  • Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure, causing increased drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril.
  • Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt may cause your body to retain water and may decrease the effects of hydrochlorothiazide. Ask your doctor or nurse about low-salt diet alternatives.
  • Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking captopril and hydrochlorothiazide without first talking to your doctor. These products could cause potassium levels in your blood to become dangerously high.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Hydrochlorothiazide and captopril may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
  • Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with hydrochlorothiazide and captopril. Maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related adverse effects.

Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.