Captopril (By Mouth)

Captopril (KAP-toe-pril)

Treats high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. This medicine is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.

Brand Name(s):

Capoten
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to captopril or other blood pressure medicine (such as Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Vasotec®, Zestril®). You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before meals).

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using lithium, potassium supplements, salt substitutes, diuretics (water pills) such as amiloride (Midamor®, Moduretic®), chlorthalidone (Combipres®, Tenoretic®), furosemide (Lasix®), spironolactone (Aldactazide®, Aldactone®), or triamterene (Dyazide®, Dyrenium®, Maxzide®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, Advil®, Aleve®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, Voltaren®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or lupus.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
• Confusion, weakness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Fever, muscle or joint pain, and skin rash
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Problems urinating, pain in side or lower back
• Swelling in the hands or feet
• Sudden stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Change in sense of taste
• Cough
• Headache
• Mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.