Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: CAPTOPRIL (KAP-toe-pril)
This medicine is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure, or certain diabetic kidney problems. It is 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 for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause injury and possibly death to a fetus if used after the third month of pregnancy. Talk with your doctor if you suspect that you are pregnant. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF you are currently taking dextran sulfate. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking allopurinol, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, amiloride), potassium supplements, certain gold-containing medicines (eg, sodium aurothiomalate), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, indomethacin), lithium, thiopurines (eg, azathioprine), or oral diabetes medicine (eg, glyburide). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including 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; autoimmune disease; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are on a sodium-restricted diet. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy or if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) to any other ACE inhibitor (eg, enalapril). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth on an empty stomach 1 hour before meals. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. THIS MEDICINE works best if it is taken at the same time each day. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to another ACE inhibitor (eg, enalapril). LAB TESTS, including blood pressure monitoring, blood potassium or other electrolyte levels, and urine tests, may be performed while you use this medicine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, LIGHTHEADEDNESS, OR FAINTING; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. DO NOT DRIVE OR PERFORM OTHER POSSIBLY UNSAFE TASKS until you know how you react to it. If lightheadedness occurs, especially during the first few days of treatment, contact your doctor. PATIENTS WHO TAKE MEDICINE FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms. THIS MEDICINE MAY NOT WORK AS WELL IN BLACK PATIENTS. They may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse. IF YOU HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: This medicine may cause fetal and newborn death if you take it while you are pregnant. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor right away. This medicine is found in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. DIABETES PATIENTS - This medicine may cause the results of some tests for urine ketones to be wrong. Ask your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include cough; diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting or standing quickly; fatigue; fever; headache; itching; joint pain; nausea; taste changes; vomiting; or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience signs of infection such as fever or sore throat; chest pain; difficulty swallowing; fainting; irregular or slow heartbeat; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness or weakness.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF YOU WILL BE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.