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Captopril

 

Captopril (generic Capoten) Review

brand name: Capoten
generic name: Captopril

What is captopril?

Captopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. 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 other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•autoimmune disease or collagen-vascular disease (such as lupus)
•suppressed immune function
•previous swelling of the tongue, dyes, foods, other ACE inhibitors, such as face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema)
•bone marrow disease
•heart or blood vessel disease
•liver disease
•low blood pressure
•kidney disease
•if you are on a special diet, a low-salt diet
•an unusual or allergic reaction to captopril, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose of Capoten (Captopril), seek medical attention immediately.

Light-headedness or dizziness due to a sudden drop in blood pressure is the primary effect of a Capoten (Captopril) overdose.

How does it work?

Capoten tablets contain the active ingredient captopril, which is a type of medicine called an ACE inhibitor. (NB. Captopril is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

ACE inhibitors work by blocking the action of a compound in the body called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Normally ACE produces another compound called angiotensin II, as part of the body's natural control of blood pressure. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict and narrow, which increases the pressure within the blood vessels.

As captopril blocks the action of ACE, it reduces the production of angiotensin II. This means that the blood vessels are allowed to relax and widen. The overall effect of this is a drop in blood pressure, hence captopril can be used to lower high blood pressure.

The reduced pressure within the blood vessels means that the heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump the blood around the body. This means that ACE inhibitors such as captopril can be used to improve the symptoms of heart failure, where the heart is not pumping as efficiently as it should be. Captopril has also been shown to improve survival following a heart attack and to help prevent heart failure in people with a weak heart after suffering a heart attack.

Before using Capoten (Captopril) :

Some medical conditions may interact with Capoten (Captopril) . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you have swelling of the lips, eyes, or tongue; an autoimmune disease; lupus; heart problems; kidney disease, transplant, or dialysis; thickening of the skin; low blood sodium levels; high blood potassium levels; decreased blood flow to the heart or brain; bone marrow depression; or are on a sodium-restricted diet
• if you have allergies to medicines or other substances
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Capoten (Captopril) . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, slow or irregular heartbeat, heaviness of limbs, abnormal skin sensations in the arms or legs, confusion, listlessness, amiloride) because high blood potassium levels (eg, or stopping of the heart) may occur
• Oral diabetes medicine (eg, glyburide) because side effects, including abnormally low blood sugar levels (eg, hunger, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating), may be increased by Capoten (Captopril)
• Lithium or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because the risk of serious side effects may be increased by Capoten (Captopril)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, indomethacin) because the effectiveness of Capoten (Captopril) may be decreased and the risk of kidney damage may be increased
• Diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide) because the risk of serious side effects may be increased
• Allopurinol or dextran sulfate because it may increase the risk of an allergic reaction (eg, lips, face, rash; tightness in the chest; difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of the mouth, or tongue) and lightheadedness upon standing

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Capoten (Captopril) may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How should I take this medicine?

Take captopril tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take captopril on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking captopril except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.