Drug Uses

Capoten is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) that is used to treat different conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, or certain diabetic kidney problems.
It is also used to improve survival and decrease heart failure in certain patients after a heart attack.
It is usually prescribed alone but may also be used with other medication.

How it is taken

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Capoten must be taken 1 hour before a meal on an empty stomach at the same time every day to maximize its effectiveness.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

The typical symptoms of a Capoten overdose are Light-headedness or dizziness due to a sudden drop in pressure. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to any ingredient in it, 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

Capoten may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

Do not use Capoten if you have a severe allergic reaction (e.g. rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) to any other ACE inhibitor (e.g., enalapril) or if you are currently taking dextran sulfate.

Captoen should not be used if you are pregnant (after the 3rd month).

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs can interact with Capoten and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Capoten is excreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Periodic lab tests including blood pressure monitoring, blood potassium or other electrolyte levels, and urine tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

It has been noted that Black patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

If you are using Capoten for high blood pressure then you should avoid using nonprescription medicines that contain stimulants such as products used for dieting (appetite suppressants) or for cold symptoms (e.g., pseudoephedrine).

Use with utmost caution in children.
 

Some of the common side effects of are Cough, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting or standing quickly, fatigue, fever, headache, itching, joint pain, nausea, taste changes, vomiting, weakness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, 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.