What is Capoten?

Capoten and the generic alternative captopril are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat heart failure, protect the kidneys from harm due to diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack. Captopril is an ACE inhibitor and works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before meals) as directed by your doctor, usually two to three times a day.
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
• For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. For the treatment of heart failure, it may take weeks to months before you get the full benefit of this medication.
• Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking Capoten.
• Your blood pressure will need to be checked often, and you may need frequent blood tests.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: history of an allergic reaction that included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema), blood filtering procedures (such as LDL apheresis, dialysis), collagen vascular disease (such as lupus, scleroderma), high level of potassium in the blood.
• If you are using marijuana.

Also be aware that:

• This medication can cause false results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Capoten.
• This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of too much body water (dehydration) and increase your risk of lightheadedness. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. Be sure to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
• This product may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, including dizziness and increases in potassium level.
• This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of taste may occur as your body adjusts to the medication.
• Dry coughs.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Fainting, fast heartbeat, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat), cloudy urine.
• Any signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine.
• Any of the following rare but serious side effects: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.
• Any symptoms of an allergic reaction. These could include rashes or itching, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or troubles with breathing.

Q: How long does it take captopril to work?

A: For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. For the treatment of heart failure, it may take weeks to months before you get the full benefit of this medication.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: 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.

Q; What should I avoid?

A: Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Capoten. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Capoten, 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.