Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Capoten

Generic Name: captopril (Pronunciation: KAP toe pril)

• What is captopril (Capoten)?
• What are the possible side effects of captopril (Capoten)?
• What is the most important information I should know about captopril (Capoten)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking captopril (Capoten)?
• How should I take captopril (Capoten)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Capoten)?
• What happens if I overdose (Capoten)?
• What should I avoid while taking captopril (Capoten)?
• What other drugs will affect captopril (Capoten)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is captopril (Capoten)?

Captopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.

Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, kidney problems caused by diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Captopril may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Capoten 100 mg

oval, white, imprinted with CAPOTEN 100

Capoten 12.5 mg-PAR

oblong, white, imprinted with 12.5, CAPOTEN

Captopril 100 mg-APO

oblong, white, imprinted with APO 006

Captopril 100 mg-GG

round, white, imprinted with GG 179

Captopril 100 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M C4

Captopril 100 mg-PAR

round, white, imprinted with E 124

Captopril 100 mg-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with 100, N 135

Captopril 12.5 mg-APH

round, white, imprinted with AP, 7045

Captopril 12.5 mg-APO

round, white, imprinted with APO 003

Captopril 12.5 mg-MYL

oval, white, imprinted with M C1

Captopril 12.5 mg-TEV

oval, white, imprinted with 93 91

Captopril 25 mg-APO

round, white, imprinted with APO 004

Captopril 25 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M C2

Captopril 25 mg-PAR

round, white, imprinted with E 122

Captopril 25 mg-SCH

round, white, imprinted with INV 272, 25

Captopril 25 mg-TEV

round, white, imprinted with N 133

Captopril 50 mg-APH

round, white, imprinted with AP 7047

Captopril 50 mg-APO

oblong, white, imprinted with APO 005

Captopril 50 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M C3

Captopril 50 mg-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with 50, N 134

Captropril 25 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with 689 25, WATSON

What are the possible side effects of captopril (Capoten)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
• chest pain; or
• swelling, rapid weight gain.

Less serious side effects may include:

• cough;
• loss of taste sensation, loss of appetite;
• dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• dry mouth, sores in the mouth or on the lips;
• nausea, diarrhea, constipation; or
• mild skin itching or rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about captopril (Capoten)?

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Captopril could cause birth defects in the baby if you take the medication during pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of captopril.

Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking captopril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure while you are taking captopril. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this medication.