Capoten

Description

Drug Uses

Capoten is indicated 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 to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Capoten as directed by your doctor. Take Capoten 1 hour before meals, on an empty stomach. Capoten works best if it is taken at the same time each day. Continue to use Capoten even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Capoten, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Capoten, if you 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, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. When Capoten is used after the third month of pregnancy, it can cause injury or even death to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Capoten is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Capoten. Some medicines may interact with Capoten. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take 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. Black patients are at higher risk for certain side effects, and may not respond as well to Capoten as patients of other races. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen while on Capoten, contact your doctor. Patients being treated for high blood pressure should avoid using nonprescription medicines that contain stimulants such as products used for dieting (appetite suppressants) or for cold symptoms (e.g., pseudoephedrine). Do not use a salt–substitute or a potassium supplement without checking with your doctor. Capoten may interfere with urine tests for ketones and may give inaccurate test results. Lab tests, such as blood pressure monitoring, blood potassium or other electrolyte levels, and urine tests, may be performed to monitor your condition. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Capoten should be used in children with extreme caution. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are– Cough, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting or standing quickly, fatigue, fever, headache, itching, joint pain, nausea, taste changes, vomiting, weakness. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately– allergic reactions (rash, hives, 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.

Storage

Store Capoten at 68 – 77 °F (20–25 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Capoten out of the reach of children.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Capoten overdose are– dizziness, weakness.

More information

Capoten may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may worsen if Capoten is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Capoten with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Capoten should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor

Disclaimer

This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose. It does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We are not responsible for any damage.