Capoten

The active ingredient in Capoten is captopril, which is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It relaxes your blood vessels to lower blood pressure by preventing a protein (ACE) from producing a hormone that constricts them. It has a similar mechanism of action as Valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that may be used to treat high blood pressure.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Capoten. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Capoten:

• Capoten is often given an hour before meals. Follow your doctor's directions.
• If you are vomiting or having diarrhea regularly, or if you are sweating excessively, call your doctor. Dehydration can increase your risk of very low blood pressure (hypotension), electrolyte imbalances, and kidney failure. It is important to drink plenty of water daily while taking Capoten.
• Your blood pressure will need to be checked frequently, and you may require many blood tests.
• If you require surgery, notify the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking Capoten. You may need to stop taking the medication for a brief period of time.
• If you are being treated for high blood pressure, continue taking this medicine even if you are feeling OK. High blood pressure frequently produces no symptoms. You may need to take blood pressure medications for the rest of your life.

Some mild or common side effects of captopril include:

• Dry cough.
• Skin rash.
• Low blood pressure.
• Loss of taste.
• Proteinuria (protein in your urine).
• Chest pain.
• Itching.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Capoten. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious and life-threatening angioedema (extreme swelling). It is characterised by swelling of the face, arms, or legs, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain.
• Symptoms of dangerously low blood pressure include dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, and feeling faint.
• Serious kidney disorders include urinating less frequently than normal, swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands, and unexplained weight gain.
• High blood potassium levels can cause nausea, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeat.
• Severe allergic reactions include swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face, hives, difficulty breathing, and skin rash.
• Low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Let your healthcare provider know if you have symptoms of an infection, such as a sore throat, fever, cough, chills, or fatigue.
• Severe liver problems. Symptoms include yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice), stomach pain, and fatigue.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Capoten. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Capoten, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis.
• Liver disease.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Diabetes or diabetic nephropathy.
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
• Connective tissue diseases include Marfan syndrome, Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Had an organ transplant.
• Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Capoten, unless your doctor has told you to.

Boxed Warning

Discontinue as soon as feasible when pregnancy is diagnosed; it disrupts the renin-angiotensin system, causing oligohydramnios, which can end in fetal damage and/or death.

• Angioedema associated with captopril or any other ACE inhibitor.
• Taking aliskiren (Tekturna) simultaneously (for diabetics).
• Taking captopril within 36 hours after starting Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan).

Capoten can cause a significant reduction in blood pressure within 60 to 90 minutes of a dose. However, you may need to take this medication for 1 to 2 weeks to get more consistent results in your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure at home, as directed by your prescriber.

When Capoten is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Diuretics.
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like naproxen or ibuprofen.
• Lithium.
• Losartan or other ARBs.
• Allopurinol.

Take captopril tablets on an empty stomach (at least an hour before eating).

High blood pressure: The typical starting dose is 25 mg taken orally two or three times per day. If necessary, your doctor may increase the dose to 50 mg two or three times per day after a few weeks. The average maintenance dose is 25 mg to 150 mg taken orally two to three times per day, depending on the other blood pressure drugs you are taking.

Heart failure: The average initial dose varies from 6.25 mg to 25 mg taken orally three times a day. The normal maintenance dose is 50 to 100 mg three times per day.

Increase your chances of surviving after a heart attack: Your doctor may advise you to begin taking captopril as soon as three days following the event. The typical initial dose is 6.25 mg by mouth once, followed by 12.5 mg three times per day. Your prescriber will gradually increase your dose over the next few weeks. The average maintenance dose is 50 mg, three times per day.

Kidney problems caused by diabetes: The normal dose is 25 mg orally three times per day.

If you miss a dose of Capoten, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.

Store at room temperature and keep out of the reach of children.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is the company that manufactures Capoten.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Capoten available.

You should not stop taking Capoten abruptly without consulting your doctor. If you are taking medication for heart failure, stopping abruptly may cause your blood pressure to rise again or worsen your symptoms. Your doctor will normally gradually reduce the dose while monitoring your blood pressure and overall health to ensure it is safe to discontinue.

If you are pregnant, do not use Capoten. If you get pregnant, stop taking this medication and notify your doctor immediately. If you use Capoten during your second or third trimester, it may cause harm or death to your unborn baby.

Captopril can enter breast milk and harm a nursing infant. You should not breastfeed while using this medication.