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Capoten

Generic name: Captopril

Captopril belongs to a group of medicines called ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are powerful vasodilators, that is, they widen blood vessels. They act by blocking the action of an enzyme in the bloodstream that is responsible for converting a chemical called angiotensin I into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II encourages the narrowing of blood vessels and its absence permits them to widen.

Capoten Dosage

• The usual starting dose is 25 milligrams taken 2 or 3 times a day. If you have any problems with your kidneys or suffer from other major health problems, your starting dose may be lower. Depending on how your blood pressure responds, your doctor may increase your dose later, up to a total of 150 milligrams 2 or 3 times a day. The maximum recommended daily dose is 450 milligrams.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take Capoten on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Uses of Capoten

• Capoten is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.  
• Capoten is used to improve survival in certain people who have suffered heart attacks and to treat kidney disease in diabetics.

Side Effects of Capoten

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Capoten. Side effects may include:

• Itching, loss of taste, low blood pressure, rash

Warnings and precautions before taking Capoten:

• If you develop swelling of the face around your lips, tongue or throat (or of your arms and legs) or have difficulty swallowing, you should stop taking Capoten and contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment.
• If you are taking Capoten, a complete assessment of your kidney function should be done; and your kidney function should continue to be monitored. If you have kidney disease, Capoten should be used only if you have taken other blood pressure medications and your doctor has determined that the results were unsatisfactory.
• If you are taking Capoten for your heart, be careful not to increase physical activity too quickly. Check with your doctor as to how much exercise is safe for you.
• Capoten may cause you to become drowsy or less alert, especially if you are also taking a diuretic at the same time. If it has this effect on you, driving or participating in any potentially hazardous activity is not recommended.
• Some people may experience dizziness caused by low blood pressure in the first few days of taking this medicine. This can be relieved by lying down until the symptoms pass. If affected you should avoid performing potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinary.

Drug Interaction :- If Capoten is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Capoten with the following:

• Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
  
• Aspirin
  
• Blood pressure drugs known as beta blockers, such as Inderal and Tenormin
  
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
  
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose of Capoten, seek medical attention immediately.

• Light-headedness or dizziness due to a sudden drop in blood pressure is the primary effect of a Capoten overdose.