Captopril
Drug name: Captopril
Other names used:
- Capoten®
- Inhibace®
Active Ingredients:
Captopril
Therapeutic actions: Captopril is a type of medicine called ACE inhibitors. Captopril works by blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme. ACE is part of a reaction in the body that causes the blood vessels to constrict. By inhibiting this enzyme ,blood vessels are relaxed and blood pressure is lowered.
Captopril can improve the efficiency of the heart. This allows the heart not to work as hard and more blood can be pumped out to the rest of the body. These effects are helpful for a person with congestive heart failure.
Indications: Captopril is used:
- to control high blood pressure (hypertension)
- to relieve symptoms of congestive heart failure
- to improve survival and decrease the chances of developing symptoms of congestive heart failure following a heart attack
- to treat diabetic nephropathy.
Contraindications and cautions:
You should not use Captopril :
- if you have an allergy to captopril, or any inactive component used to make the medicines.
- if you have hereditary or idiopathic angioedema
You should talk with your health care provider prior to taking Captopril:
- if you have Heart disease, including congestive heart failure, aortic stenosis, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- if you have liver disease, including cirrhosis
- if you have kidney disease or kidney failure
- if you have Diabetes
- if you have scleroderma
- if you have systemic lupus erythematosus
- if you have a personal or family history of angioedema (swelling under the skin)
- if you have any allergies, such as allergies to ACE inhibitors, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- if you are pregnant
- if you are breastfeeding
- if you are on dialysis
- if will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
Captopril side effects: There are possible side-effects associated with this medicine that can affect individuals in different ways. If a side effect is stated here, that does not necessarily mean the fact that all people using Captopril will experience it or any other.
- sore throat
- fever
- dizziness
- salty or metallic taste, or decreased ability to taste
- cough
- mouth sores
- unusual bruising
- fast heartbeat
- excessive tiredness
If you experience any of the following conditions, call your health care provider immediately:
- chest pain
- fainting
- rash
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with <medicine>, please read the information provided with Captopril or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with Captopril. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to the following drugs:
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), naproxen (Naprosyn®), naproxen sodium (Aleve®, Anaprox®, Naprelan®), diclofenac (Cataflam®, Voltaren®), indomethacin (Indocin®), nabumetone (Relafen®), oxaprozin (Daypro®), celecoxib (Celebrex®), meloxicam (Mobic®), etodolac (Lodine®), ketoprofen, ketorolac (Toradol®).
- Potassium supplements
- Diuretics, such as torsemide (Demadex®), furosemide (Lasix®), hydrochlorothiazide, and others
- Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone (Aldactone®), triamterene (Dyrenium®), and amiloride (Midamore®)
- Nitroglycerin or other nitrates
- Allopurinol (Lopurin®, Zyloprim®)
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®)
- Digoxin (Digitek®, Lanoxicaps®, Lanoxin®).
- Lithium (Eskalith®, Lithane®, Lithonate®, Lithotabs®)
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE Captopril with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
