CAPOTEN - Captopril

Capoten Captopril Used For

Capoten (Captopril) is an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) that is prescribed to lower blood pressure, relieve symptoms of congestive heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling of the legs), to improve survival after a heart attack, and to prevent kidney disease in some diabetic patients.

Directions for Capoten Captopril

The recommended dose of Capoten for congestive heart failure in adults is 25 to 100 mg two or three times a day. For high blood pressure in adults, Capoten can be administered in 25 to 50 mg doses two or three times a day. For kidney problems related to diabetes adults can be given 25 mg three times a day while for post heart attack treatment in adults, 12.5 to 50 mg of Capoten should be given three times a day. All doses for children should be administered and monitored by a doctor.

How Capoten Captopril works

Capoten side effects may increase the risk of dangerous allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; liver disease; are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood; are taking a salt substitute, potassium supplement, or potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride, triamterene, or spironolactone; have diabetes; scleroderma or lupus; or any type of heart disease or had a stroke before being started on Capoten as it might require special dose considerations and monitoring. Captopril is known to be harmful to an unborn baby and can cause severe injury including death to the developing baby if taken during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not take captopril if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. This medication also passes into breast milk and its effects on a nursing baby are not known. Lactating mothers are advised to first talk to a doctor before starting on this medication. Patients on Capotne should use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as it may lead to dizziness or drowsiness. Caution is also advised when rising from a sitting or lying position. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness if you are taking Capoten and should be avoided during treatment. Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes of fluid loss may lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting during therapy with this medication. Hence it is necessary to maintain proper fluid intake to prevent dehydration and related side effects.

Side effects of Capoten Captopril

Capoten may lead to an allergic reaction; difficulty in breathing; little or no urine; an irregular heartbeat or changes in the heartbeat; chest pain; severe dizziness or fainting; or signs of an infection including a sore throat or a fever. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur including headache; mild dizziness or lightheadedness; fatigue; dry, tickling cough; anxiety or depression; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs; upset stomach; taste disturbances; or a rash.

Other Capoten Captopril Information

Store captopril at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The tablet may be split and taken at half the dose.