Details

Captopril (Capoten) is an ACE inhibitor. 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. To make sure captopril is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis) liver disease diabetes a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis or if you have had an organ transplant.

Typical Uses

Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat heart failure, protect the kidneys from harm due to diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack. Captopril is an ACE inhibitor and works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

Side Effects

Stop using captopril and contact your healthcare professional if you encounter a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out little or no urinating, or urinating more than usual shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain chest pain or pressure, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling) or sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms.

Drug Interactions

• Captopril+aliskiren- Using aliskiren together with captopril may increase the risk of serious side effects such as kidney problems, low blood pressure, and high potassium levels in the blood. High levels of potassium can develop into a condition known as hypercalcemia, which in severe cases can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest.

• Captopril+allopurinol- Talk to your doctor before using allopurinol together with captopril. Combining these medications may increase the risk of severe allergic reactions and infections. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop shortness of breath throat tightness swelling of the face, lips, or tongue itching rash fever and muscle pain or weakness.

• Captopril+eprosartan- Using captopril together with eprosartan may increase the risk of side effects such as low blood pressure, kidney function impairment, and a condition called hypercalcemia (high blood potassium). In severe cases, hypercalcemia can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest.

• Captopril+olmesartan- Using captopril together with olmesartan may increase the risk of side effects such as low blood pressure, kidney function impairment, and a condition called hypercalcemia (high blood potassium). In severe cases, hypercalcemia can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest.

Mechanism of action

Captopril belongs to the group of medicines called Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors. Captopril works by widening the blood vessels, thereby making it easier for the blood to flow through them.

Pregnancy Category : D