Drug Name

Capoten (Captopril)

Drug Uses

Capoten can be used alone in treating high blood pressure. Its blood pressure lowering effect can be further enhanced by the addition of a diuretic (water pill) medication. Capozide is an example of a medication that combines the effect of capoten with a diuretic (water pill). By reducing resistance in the arteries, capoten can be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure. In treating heart failure, capoten usually supplements conventional treatment, including a diuretic as well as digoxin (Lanoxin). After a heart attack, capoten has been found to be effective in improving functioning of the damaged heart. It is as well as used to treat kidney disease associated with diabetes.

How Taken

Capoten should be used on an empty stomach one hour before meals. Do not take antacids containing aluminium or magnesium within 1 hour before or 2 hours after using this medicine.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Capoten is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor. ACE is an enzyme in the body which is substantial for the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes constriction of arteries in the body, thereby elevating blood pressure. ACE inhibitors such as captopril lower blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, thus relaxing the arteries. Relaxing the arteries not only lowers blood pressure, but as well as improves the pumping efficiency of a failing heart as well as improves cardiac output in patients with heart failure.

Missed Dose

Continue to take this medicine even incase you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Incase you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as likely. Incase it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose as well as go back to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, as well as light.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take this medicine incase you possess had an allergic reaction to it, other ACE inhibitors, or incase you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. It may take several weeks for this medicine to work. Do not halt using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or health examination tests including liver function, kidney function, blood pressure, blood counts, as well as blood electrolytes may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor as well as laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect confident lab test results. Make sure laboratory personnel as well as your doctors know you take this medicine. Before you possess any health examination or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when you begin using this medicine. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Incase dizziness occurs, sit up or stand slowly.This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Take a sunscreen or protective clothing incase you must be outside for a prolonged period. Drink plenty of fluids during exercise or other activities where excessive sweating may occur. Incase you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or incase you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. This medicine may lower your resistance to infection. Halt infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections.Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you possess thoroughly washed your hands earliest.Do not take a salt substitute or other potassium supplement without checking with your doctor. Before you begin using any recent medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly or in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine.For women: take of this medicine during pregnancy has resulted in fetal as well as newborn death. Incase you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Likely Side Effects

Side effects that may occur while using this medicine include cough, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, as well as taste changes. Incase they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as likely incase you experience very bad lightheadedness or fainting; quick or irregular heartbeat; prolonged nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; a change in the amount of your urine; unusual joint pain; or unusual muscle pain, cramps, or weakness. Contact your doctor immediately incase you experience swelling of hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, tongue, or trunk; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; chest pain; unusual stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes; darkening of your urine; sore throat; or fever. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate health examination attention incase it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, very bad dizziness, or trouble breathing. Incase you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not take this medicine for other health conditions.

Incase you will be using this medicine for an extended period of time, be sure to obtain essential refills before your supply runs out.