Captopril (Capoten) is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, kidney problems caused by diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack.
Captopril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use captopril if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. This medicine can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
If you have diabetes, do not use captopril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to captopril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril, fosinopril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, or trandolapril.
If you have diabetes, do not use captopril together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking this medicine with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure captopril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
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liver disease;
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diabetes;
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any history of heart disease; or
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a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren"s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use captopril if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Captopril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking this medicine.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Captopril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using this medicine.
How should I take captopril?
Take captopril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Captopril is usually taken 1 hour before meals. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking captopril.
Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often, and you may need frequent blood tests.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using captopril. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
This medication can cause false results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using captopril.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of captopril.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking captopril, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor"s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Avoid strenuous exercise without your doctor"s approval if you are being treated for heart failure.
Captopril side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to captopril: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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little or no urinating, or urinating more than usual;
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shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
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chest pain or pressure, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
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high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling); or
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sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms.
Common captopril side effects may include:
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cough;
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flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
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numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
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loss of taste sensation; or
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mild skin itching or rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other drugs may interact with captopril, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
