GENERIC NAME: captopril
BRAND NAME: Capoten
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Captopril is an ACE
(angiotensin
converting enzyme) inhibitor. ACE is an enzyme in the body
which is
important 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 also improves the
pumping
efficiency of a failing heart and improves cardiac output in
patients with
heart failure.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: tablets: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature
in a
tightly closed container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Captopril 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 captopril
with a
diuretic (water pill). By reducing resistance in the arteries,
captopril
can be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure. In
treating
heart failure, captopril usually supplements conventional
treatment,
including a diuretic and digoxin (Lanoxin). After a heart
attack,
captopril has been found to be effective in improving
functioning of the
damaged heart. It is also used to treat kidney disease
associated with
diabetes.
DOSING: Should be taken on an empty stomach one hour
before
meals.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Captopril should not be taken by
people with
a known allergy to ACE inhibitors. Swelling of the facial
tissues and even
the upper airways has been reported with ACE inhibitors on very
rare
occasions, and can lead to serious breathing difficulties.
Captopril can
interact with diuretics (water pills) and other blood pressure
medicines
to cause an excessive drop in blood pressure, which can cause
symptoms of
weakness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Impairment of kidney
function
has been reported with ACE inhibitors, especially in patients
with severe
heart failure or pre-existing kidney disease. Combining
captopril with
potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes,
and
potassium-conserving diuretics such as amiloride (Moduretic),
spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyazide, Maxzide),
can lead
to dangerously high blood levels of potassium. Indomethacin (Indocin) and
possibly other anti-inflammatory medications may decrease the
blood
pressure lowering effect of captopril.
In rare instances, low white blood cell counts have been
reported with
the use of captopril. Low white blood cells increase the
patient's risk of
infections. Anticancer drugs or chloramphenicol taken with
captopril can
increase the chance of having a low blood cell count. When
taken with
lithium, captopril can increase lithium to toxic levels in the
blood. Safe
use in children is not established. It is not habit forming.
PREGNANCY: ACE inhibitors, including captopril, can be
harmful
to the fetus and should not be taken by pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is also avoided in nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Captopril is generally well tolerated and
side
effects are usually mild and transient. A dry, persistent cough
has been
reported with the use of captopril and other ACE inhibitors.
Coughing
resolves after discontinuing the medication. Other side effects
are rare
and include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness,
fatigue,
headache, loss of taste, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting,
easy
bruising or bleeding, chest pain, chills, difficulty breathing,
severe
dizziness or fainting, fever, numbness or tingling in the hands
or feet,
rash, and a sore or swollen throat. In rare instances, liver
dysfunction
and skin yellowing (jaundice) have been reported with ACE
inhibitors.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- ACE Inhibitors - Defines ACE inhibitors: medications that slow the activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects. Source:MedicineNet
- Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss. Source:MedicineNet
- ramipril, Altace - Explains the medication ramipril (Altace) a drug used for the treatment of heart failure, and high blood pressure (hypertension). Treatment also prevents heart attacks, strokes and deaths due to heart disease. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects. Source:MedicineNet
- Read 48 more captopril related articles ...
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