Capoten

Capoten

     * Generic Name: captopril
     * Brand Name: Capoten


     * What is captopril (Capoten)?
     * What are the possible side effects of captopril (Capoten)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       captopril (Capoten)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       captopril (Capoten)?
     * How should I take captopril (Capoten)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Capoten)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Capoten)?
     * What should I avoid while taking captopril (Capoten)?
     * What other drugs will affect captopril (Capoten)?
     * Where can I get more information (Capoten)?

What is captopril (Capoten)?

   Captopril 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.

What are the possible side effects of captopril (Capoten)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your
   face, lips, tongue, or throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * little or no urination, or urinating more than usual;
     * shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid
       weight gain;
     * chest pain or pressure, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your
       chest;
     * high potassium--nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness,
       loss of movement; or
     * sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat,
       painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or
       flu symptoms.

   Common side effects may include:
     * cough;
     * flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
     * numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
     * loss of taste sensation; or
     * 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.

What is the most important information I should know about captopril
(Capoten)?

   Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking
   this medicine and tell your doctor right away.

   If you have diabetes, do not use captopril together with any medication
   that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo,
   Valturna).

   Capoten Patient Information including How Should I Take
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking captopril
(Capoten)?

   You should not use this medicine 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).

   You may also need to avoid taking captopril with aliskiren if you have
   kidney disease.

   To make sure captopril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
     * liver disease;
     * diabetes;
     * a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome,
       Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or
       rheumatoid arthritis; or
     * if you have had an organ transplant.

   Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking
   this medicine and tell your doctor right away. Captopril can cause
   injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your
   second or third trimester.

   Captopril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
   should not breast-feed while you are using captopril.

How should I take captopril (Capoten)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not use 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.

   Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if
   you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated
   while taking captopril. This can lead to very low blood pressure,
   electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure.

   Your blood pressure will need to be checked often, and you may need
   frequent blood tests.

   Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking captopril.

   This medication can cause false results with certain medical tests.
   Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using captopril.

   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.

   If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this
   medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no
   symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of
   your life.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle
   tightly closed when not in use.

   Capoten Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Capoten)?

   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 (Capoten)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking captopril (Capoten)?

   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.

What other drugs will affect captopril (Capoten)?

   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.

Where can I get more information (Capoten)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about captopril.
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