Capoten (Captopril)

Description

Capoten (captopril) is an oral medication taken to treat high blood pressure, left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack, and diabetic neuropathy. It can also treat congestive heart failure when accompanied by other medications.

Directions

The instructions that come with your Capoten prescription should be read and followed thoroughly. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Capoten comes in 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets.

The usual starting dose for treating high blood pressure is 25 mg by mouth two or three times a day, one hour before meals. Depending on response to the medication, the dose may be adjusted.

The usual starting dose for treating heart failure is 25 mg by mouth three times daily. Depending on blood pressure, salt/volume status, and response to the medication, the dose may be adjusted. 

The usual starting dose for managing left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack is a single 6.25 mg dose by mouth, then 12.5 mg by mouth three times daily. The recommended maintenance dose is 50 mg by mouth three times daily.

The recommended dose for treating diabetic neuropathy is 25 mg by mouth three times daily. The dose may be adjusted for patients who have kidney problems.

Ingredients

Captopril, an angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, is the active ingredient in Capoten. Microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, lactose, and stearic acid are the inactive ingredients included in Capoten.

Contraindications

Avoid taking Capoten if you have an allergy to captopril or other ACE-inhibitors or to any of the other ingredients contained in Capoten.

Cautions

• Before you begin taking Capoten, tell your doctor about any medications you take, if you have any allergies, about your medical history, health conditions, and pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
• Angioedema (swelling under the skin) of the extremities, face, lips, mucous membranes, tongue, glottis, or larynx can be caused by Capoten. This can be life threatening. Immediately seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms. 
• Intestinal angioedema, which causes stomach pain with or without nausea or vomiting, can be caused by Capoten.
• Anaphylactoid reactions can be caused by Capoten in patients undergoing desensitizing treatment with hymenoptera or with exposure to membranes.
• A low neutrophil (a type of white blood cell) count can be caused by Capoten, which can increase the risk for infections.
• Kidney impairment can be caused by Capoten in some patients.
• Proteinuria (the presence of protein in the urine) can be caused by Capoten. Patients with previous kidney disease or those who received more than 150 mg a day of Capoten are at greater risk.
• Low blood pressure can be caused by Capoten. Your blood pressure should be monitored regularly. 
• Although it's rare, liver failure can be caused by Capoten. Immediately seek medical attention if you develop yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, weakness, abdominal pain, or nausea.
• Increased potassium levels can be caused by Capoten. If you have kidney problems, diabetes, or if you take potassium-sparing diuretics or medications or supplements that contain potassium, you may be at risk.
• Some patients experience a dry, nonproductive cough with Capoten.
• Risk of decreased coronary perfusion may be increased in patients with aortic stenosis.
• During surgery or anesthesia, patients taking Capoten may experience low blood pressure.

Side Effects

Capoten side effects include the following: rash, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, chest pain, heart palpitations, altered taste, angioedema, cough, lack of energy, breast tissue enlargement in males, cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular accident/insufficiency, rhythm abnormalities, fainting, skin reactions, pancreatitis, glossitis, indigestion, anemia, liver problems, low sodium levels, muscle pain or weakness, coordination problems, confusion, depression, nervousness, drowsiness, rhinitis, bronchospasm, eosinophilic pneumonitis, blurred vision, and inability to achieve an erection.

Capoten can cause other side effects not mentioned above. Immediately call your doctor if you develop bothersome or persistent side effects. 

Reference:

Capoten (Captopril Tablets, USP). Spring Valley, NY: Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.; 2012.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....