Information about Captopril (Generic Capoten) :


Captopril is in the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It decreases a chemical that tightens blood vessels. This is the reason of blood vessels to relax (dilate), which lowers blood pressure and decreases the workload on the heart. It is also used to improve survival and decrease heart failure in certain patients after a heart attack. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It may also be used to treat other conditions as prescribed by your doctor.

You should not use Captopril in case you are allergic to any ingredient in Captopril; you are pregnant (second or third trimester); you have a history of a severe allergic reaction (eg, rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) to any other ACE inhibitor (eg, enalapril);or you are currently taking dextran sulfate.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor before taking this medicine.

Before using Captopril:
Be aware that Captopril may interact with some medical conditions. Consult with your doctor in case you have any medical conditions listed below: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have allergies to medicines or other substances; if you have swelling of the lips, eyes, or tongue; bone marrow depression; decreased blood flow to the heart or brain; high blood potassium levels; low blood sodium levels; thickening of the skin; kidney disease, transplant, or dialysis; heart problems; lupus; an autoimmune disease; or are on a sodium-restricted diet.

Be aware that Captopril may interact with some medicines. Consult with your doctor in case you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the next: Allopurinol or dextran sulfate because it may increase the risk of an allergic reaction (eg, rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) and lightheadedness upon standing; Diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide) because the risk of serious side effects may be increased; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, indomethacin) because the effectiveness of Captopril may be decreased and the risk of kidney damage may be increased; Lithium or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because the risk of serious side effects may be increased by Captopril; Oral diabetes medicine (eg, glyburide) because side effects, including abnormally low blood sugar levels (eg, hunger, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating), may be increased by Captopril; Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride) because high blood potassium levels (eg, listlessness, confusion, abnormal skin sensations in the arms or legs, heaviness of limbs, slow or irregular heartbeat, or stopping of the heart) may occur.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Captopril:
Take Captopril according to the prescription of your doctor. Captopril is to be taken 1 hour before meals on an empty stomach. Do take Captoprilat the same time each day.
Continue taking Captopril even if no symptoms bother you. Do not miss doses.

You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember and then follow your usual schedule. Nevertheless, if it is near to the time for your next dose, do not take an extra tablet to catch up for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not take a double dose.
Ask your doctor for extra information about Captopril usage.

Important safety information:
Captopril may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, so be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. You should avoid such activities if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness. Sit up or stand slowly. Sit or lie down in case you experience these.

You may feel tired or run down for a few weeks after the treatment is started if you take medicine for high blood pressure. Continue taking your medicine even if no symptoms bother you. Consult with your doctor if you suffer any symptom.
Black patients may be at greater risk of side effects. Consult with your doctor if there is no improvement of the symptoms become worse.
Patients that are treating high blood pressure should avoid using nonprescription medicines that contain stimulants such as products used for dieting (appetite suppressants) or for cold symptoms (eg, pseudoephedrine).

Do not use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it without medical consultation.

Captopril may interfere with urine tests for ketones in diabetes patients and may affect test results. Consult with your doctor before you adjust your dose of your diabetes medicine or change your diet.

Let laboratory personnel and your doctors know you are taking Captopril before making allergy tests and certain lab tests, as Captopril may affect their results.
Use Captopril in CHILDREN with caution; there is no reliable data about safety and effectiveness in children.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
Stop taking Captopril after the third month of pregnancy. It may cause injury or death to the fetus. Stop taking Captopril as soon as possible if you become pregnant. There is no reliable data whether Captopril passes into breast milk. You are not recommended to breast-feed when being treated with Captopril.

Possible side effects of Captopril:
Not everyone experience side effects, however consult with your doctor if you have any of the most COMMON side effects: Cough; diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting or standing quickly; fatigue; fever; headache; itching; joint pain; nausea; taste changes; vomiting; weakness.
Seek emergency if you experience any sever side effect: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); any signs of infection such as fever or sore throat; chest pain; difficulty swallowing; fainting; irregular or slow heartbeat; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Shelf life.
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.