CAPTOPRIL

(Generic Name)

BRAND NAME

Capoten, 12.5 mg

Capoten, 25 mg

Capoten, 50 mg

Capoten, 100 mg

TYPE OF DRUG

Antihypertensive; ACE inhibitor.

PRESCRIBED FOR

High blood pressure or congestive heart failure. Low doses may be used to treat mild

to moderate high blood pressure. Captopril may be taken alone or together with a

diuretic drug. Captopril is widely used in the treatment of congestive heart failure.

Captopril has been studied as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This drug was the first member of a class of drugs, called the ACE inhibitors, that work

by preventing the conversion of a potent hormone called Angiotensin 1. This directly

affects the production of other hormones and enzymes that participate in the regulation

of blood pressure. The effect is to lower blood pressure relatively quickly, within 1 to

1 1/2 hours after taking the medicine. Captopril plays a role in treating heart failure

because it dilates (opens) blood vessels and eases the work of the heart.

CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

This drug can cause kidney disease, especially loss of protein in the urine. Patients

should have the amount of protein in their urine measured during the first month and

monthly for a few months afterward. The drug can also cause reduction in the

white-blood-cell count, and this can result in increased susceptibility to infection.

Captopril should be used with caution by people who have kidney disease or diseases

of the immune/collagen system (particularly lupus erythematosus) or who have taken

other drugs that affect the white-blood-cell count.

PREGNANCY/BREAST-FEEDING

Animal studies show that Captopril may cause birth defects. Women who are, or might

become, pregnant while taking Captopril should discuss the matter thoroughly with

their doctor.

Captopril passes into breast milk in concentrations about 1 percent of those found in

blood. The effect of this drug on nursing infants is not known.

SENIORS

Older adults may be less sensitive to the blood-pressure-lowering effects of Captopril

than younger adults, but they may be more sensitive to drug side effects. Dosage

must be individualized to your needs.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Possible side effects include rash (usually mild), itching, fever, loss of taste perception

(which usually returns in 2 to 3 months), and gastric irritation.

Less common side effects are those on the kidney, including protein in the urine,

kidney failure, excessive or frequent urination, and reduction in the amount of urine

produced; adverse effect on the blood system, especially white blood cells; swelling of

the face, mucous membranes of the mouth, or arms and legs, and flushing or pale color

of skin. Captopril may also cause low blood pressure and adverse effects on the heart

(chest pain, abnormal heartbeats, spasms of blood vessels, heart failure).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

The blood pressure effect of Captopril is additive with diuretic drugs. Some other

hypertensive drugs can cause severe blood pressure drops when used with large

amounts of Captopril. They should be used with extreme caution. Beta-adrenergic

blocking drugs may add some blood-pressure-lowering effect to Captopril.

Captopril may increase serum potassium, especially if given with potassium-sparing

diuretics and/or potassium supplements.

Avoid over-the-counter cough, cold, and allergy remedies containing drugs that may

aggravate your condition.

Aspirin or Indomethacin may decrease or completely abolish the

blood-pressure-lowering effect of Captopril.

FOOD INTERACTIONS

Do not take this medicine with food or meals. It must be taken at least 1 hour before or

2 hours after meals.

USUAL DOSE

Adult: 75 milligrams per day to start. Dose may be increased up to 450 milligrams per

day, if needed. The dose of this medicine must be tailored to your needs.

Child: about 0.15 milligrams per pound of body weight 3 times a day.

People with poor kidney function have to take less medicine.

OVERDOSAGE

The primary effect of Captopril overdosage is very low blood pressure. A person who

has taken a Captopril overdose must be taken to a hospital emergency room for

treatment. ALWAYS bring the medicine bottle with you.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

Call your doctor if you develop fever, sore throat, mouth sores, abnormal heartbeat, or

chest pain or if you have persistent rash, or loss of taste perception.

This drug may cause dizziness when you rise quickly from sitting or lying down.

Avoid strenuous exercise and/or very hot weather because heavy sweating and/or

dehydration can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure.

If you are taking this medicine for high blood pressure, be certain to avoid

nonprescription drugs such as diet pills, decongestants, and stimulants that can raise

blood pressure.

Do not abruptly stop taking this medication. If you forget to take a dose, do not double

your next dose. Skip the forgotten dose and go back to your regular dose schedule.