Captopril Description

Generic Name: CAPTOPRIL

Pronunciation: (kap' toe pril)

Trade Name(s): Capoten

Why it is prescribed: Captopril is used to treat mild to severe high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It decreases certain chemicals that constrict the blood vessels so that blood flows more smoothly.

When it is to be taken: Captopril is usually taken three times a day on an empty stomach, one hour before or at least two hours after meals. Captopril controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Therefore, captopril must be taken on a regular schedule, as prescribed by your doctor, to be effective. Follow the instructions on your prescription label. Do not stop taking captopril without consulting your doctor. It may take several weeks for the full effect of the medication to be felt.

How it should be taken: Captopril comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction:
1. Have your blood pressure checked regularly to determine your response to this medication. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
2. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet and instructs you to avoid salt substitutes because they contain potassium, follow these instructions carefully.

Side Effects:
1. Red, itchy skin rash. Contact your doctor and do not treat the rash yourself.
2. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness when you get out of bed or rise from a chair. Get up slowly.
3. Salty or metallic taste, decreased ability to taste. This effect usually goes away as you continue taking the drug.
4. Sore throat; mouths sores; unusual bruising; fast heartbeat; chest pain; swelling of feet, ankles, or lower legs. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions:
1. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should inform their doctors. Before you take this drug, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other medication for heart or high blood pressure, arthritis medication, and probenecid.
2. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or systemic lupus erythematosus.
3. Limit the amout of time you spend in the sun or under a sunlamp. While in the sun, wear sunglasses and cover your body well with clothing or a sunscreen preparation.
4. Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking captopril.
1. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should inform their doctors. Before you take this drug, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other medication for heart or high blood pressure, arthritis medication, and probenecid.
2. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or systemic lupus erythematosus.
3. Limit the amout of time you spend in the sun or under a sunlamp. While in the sun, wear sunglasses and cover your body well with clothing or a sunscreen preparation.
4. Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking captopril.

Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Protect it from moisture. Captopril tablets may have a slight sulfur odour.