
Precautions
The dose of captopril your doctor prescribes and how often to take it depends on the condition being treated and how well you tolerate the medicine. The dose is usually increased gradually to avoid it making you dizzy. It's important that you follow the instructions given by your doctor.
How often should I take captopril?
It doesn't matter - captopril tablets and liquid can be taken either with or without food, on a full or empty stomach. What should I do if I miss a dose of captopril?
Is it better to take captopril on an empty stomach?
Captopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also used to improve survival and reduce the risk of heart failure after a heart attack in patients a heart condition called left ventricular hypertrophy...
What is captopril used to treat?
How to tell this drug is working: You will know that captopril is working when you check your blood pressure at home. If your blood pressure is at or below the goal your doctor set for you, the drug is working. Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes captopril for you. Captopril should be taken one hour before meals.
How do I know if my captopril is working?
What is captopril?
What happens if I overdose?
What are the side effects of Captopril?
Can you take Captopril with Aliskiren?
How to store a syringe?
What does it mean when you have no urination?
Does Captopril cause numbness?
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When should I take captopril morning or night?
Captopril administered at night restores the diurnal blood pressure rhythm in adequately controlled, nondipping hypertensives.
When do you take captopril?
Captopril is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly.
How long does it take for captopril to lower blood pressure?
In most patients, the antihypertensive effect began about 15 to 30 minutes after oral administration of captopril; the peak effect was achieved after 60 to 90 minutes. The maximum reduction in blood pressure of a defined captopril dose was generally visible after three to four weeks.
Why is captopril taken before meals?
Captopril is best given on an empty stomach, half an hour before food, to increase effectiveness. Usually your child will be given a test dose of Captopril under medical supervision before commencing regular dosing.
Does captopril lower heart rate?
Captopril caused a decrease in heart rate in 18 patients but an increase in 2 patients. In the remaining 68, heart rate did not change. As a whole captopril caused a significant decrease in blood pressure without compensatory increase in heart rate.
How do I know if captopril is working?
How to tell this drug is working: You will know that captopril is working when you check your blood pressure at home. If your blood pressure is at or below the goal your doctor set for you, the drug is working.
What should you avoid when taking captopril?
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of captopril. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking captopril, unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather.
Can I drink water after taking captopril?
You can easily become dehydrated while taking captopril. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking captopril.
What is the main side effect of captopril?
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Can I eat after taking captopril?
Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before meals.
Is captopril fast acting?
Given by mouth, captopril is usually effective within 15-30 minutes and may be repeated in 1-2 hours depending upon the response. The drug has been administered sublingually, in which case the onset of action may occur within 10-20 minutes, with the maximal effect reached within 1 hour.
How can I lower my BP?
Here are 10 lifestyle changes that can lower blood pressure and keep it down.Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline. Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. ... Exercise regularly. ... Eat a healthy diet. ... Reduce salt (sodium) in your diet. ... Limit alcohol. ... Quit smoking. ... Get a good night's sleep. ... Reduce stress.More items...
Is captopril used in emergency hypertension?
The study concluded that the dose of 25 mg of captopril is effective in managing hypertensive urgency and controlling the blood pressure. We also recommend that patients receiving captopril must be observed in the emergency centre for further evaluation.
What should I check before giving captopril?
Assess urine protein prior to and periodically during therapy for up to 1 yr in patients with renal impairment or those receiving > 150 mg/day of captopril. If excessive or increasing proteinuria occurs, re-evaluate ACE inhibitor therapy. May cause positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer.
What should you avoid when taking captopril?
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of captopril. Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking captopril, unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather.
How many times a day do you take captopril?
Adults—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) two or three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 450 mg per day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to captopril or to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril, fosinopril, enalapril, lisinop...
How Should I Take Captopril?
Take captopril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dos...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Captopril?
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of captopril.Do not use salt substitutes or potassium...
Captopril Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:Initial dose: 25 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day one hour before mealsMaintenance dose: May increase every 1 to 2 we...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Captopril?
Other drugs may interact with captopril, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your he...
Captopril | Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More - Healthline
Captopril oral tablet is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and other conditions. Learn about side effects, warnings, dosage, and more.
Captopril Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments - Drugs.com
Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 1 Nov 2022), Cerner Multum™ (updated 25 Oct 2022), ASHP (updated 12 Oct 2022 ...
Captopril Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term - Drugs.com
Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 1 Nov 2022), Cerner Multum™ (updated 25 Oct 2022), ASHP (updated 12 Oct 2022 ...
Captopril (Capoten) Uses, Adverse Effects & Dosage - MedicineNet
Captopril is an oral drug and a member of a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure, and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes.Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (), quinapril (), ramipril (), fosinopril (), benazepril (), lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil ...
How to store a med?
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
What is the proper use of Micromedex?
Proper Use. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. In addition to the use of this medicine, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium (salt).
Can you take blood pressure medicine on an empty stomach?
If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease. Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before meals.
Is IBM Watson Health copyrighted?
Copyright © 2021 IBM Watson Health. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
How should this medicine be used?
Captopril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two or three times a day on an empty stomach, 1 hour before a meal. To help you remember to take captopril, take it around the same time (s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take captopril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these instructions carefully.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
What is Captopril used for?
It is also used to improve survival and reduce the risk of heart failure after a heart attack in patients a heart condition called left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the walls of the left side of the heart). Captopril is also used to treat kidney disease (nephropathy) caused by diabetes in patients with type 1 diabetes and retinopathy ...
Can you take Captopril with Valsartan?
tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking valsartan and sacubitril (Entresto) or if you have stopped taking it within the last 36 hours. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take captopril, if you are also taking valsartan and sacubitril. Also, tell your doctor if you have diabetes and you are taking aliskiren (Tekturna, in Amturnide, Tekamlo, Tekturna HCT). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take captopril if you have diabetes and you are also taking aliskiren.
How to dispose of unneeded medication?
However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
What to keep on a prescription list?
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
What is Captopril used for?
Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart problems after a heart attack. It is also used to treat kidney disease in people with diabetes.
How does Captopril work?
Captopril works by opening your blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more easily and decreases how hard your heart has to pump. These effects lower your blood pressure levels, improve your heart’s ability to pump blood, and improve blood flow in your kidneys.
Can you take aliskiren with captopril?
Aliskiren is a high blood pressure drug that may increase your risk of low blood pressure levels, high potassium levels, and kidney problems if you take it with captopril. You shouldn’t take it with captopril if you have diabetes or kidney problems.
Can you take Captopril with Valsartan?
You should not use captopril within 36 hours of using sacubitril.
Can Captopril cause stomach pain?
Swelling warning: Captopril can cause severe, sudden swelling of your face, arms, legs, lips, tongue, throat, and intestines. This swelling can even be fatal. Tell your doctor right away if you have swelling or have stomach pain. You may need to stop taking this drug, and you may need a medication to treat the swelling.
How to avoid interactions with medications?
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
What to do if you have serious side effects?
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
WHAT IS Captopril?
Captopril is an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitor. ACE is an enzyme in the body which is important for the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes constriction of arteries in the body, thereby elevating blood pressure. ACE inhibitors such as captopril lower blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, thus relaxing the arteries.
What is the mechanism of action of Captopril?
Mechanism of action: Captopril is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor. ACE is an enzyme in the body which is important for the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes constriction of arteries in the body, thereby elevating blood pressure. ACE inhibitors such as captopril lower blood pressure by inhibiting the formation ...
When was Captopril first used?
Please read them carefully. Captopril was developed in 1975 by three researchers at the U.S. drug company Squibb (now Bristol-Myers Squibb): Miguel Ondetti, Bernard Rubin and David Cushman.
Does captopril lower blood pressure?
ACE inhibitors such as captopril lower blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, thus relaxing the arteries. Relaxing the arteries not only lowers blood pressure, but also improves the pumping efficiency of a failing heart and improves cardiac output in patients with heart failure.
What is the number to call for poison control?
In case of an emergency/overdose. In the case of a suspected overdose, call your local poison control center on 1-800-222-1222.
Can Captopril be used alone?
Captopril can be used alone in treating high blood pressure. Its blood pressure lowering effect can be further enhanced by the addition of a diuretic (water pill) medication.
How do you know if you have a rash?
Moreover, if you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives) difficulty breathing. little or no urine. an irregular heartbeat or changes in your heartbeat. chest pain.
What is the dose of captopril and how often should I take it?
The dose of captopril your doctor prescribes and how often to take it depends on the condition being treated and how well you tolerate the medicine. The dose is usually increased gradually to avoid it making you dizzy. It's important that you follow the instructions given by your doctor. These will also be printed on the dispensing label that your pharmacist has put on the packet of medicine.
Should I take captopril with or without food?
It doesn't matter - captopril tablets and liquid can be taken either with or without food, on a full or empty stomach.
How long do I need to take captopril for?
Captopril needs to be taken on a long-term basis to produce its benefits. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, it's important to keep taking it regularly every day, even if you feel you don't have any symptoms of your condition.
What to do if you forget to take Captopril?
If you forget to take a dose of captopril at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, leave out the forgotten dose and just take your next dose as usual when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Why do you take captopril at bedtime?
You should take your first ever dose of captopril at bedtime because this first dose is most likely to make you feel dizzy.
Why is captopril used in combination with diuretic medicine?
Captopril is usually used in combination with a diuretic medicine to treat heart failure.
How does ACE inhibitor work?
ACE inhibitors work by blocking the action of a compound in the body called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Normally ACE produces another compound called angiotensin II, as part of the body's natural control of blood pressure. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict and narrow, which increases the blood pressure.
How to stop feeling dizzy when taking Captopril?
If you feel dizzy you should lie down until the symptoms pass. Try getting up slowly if you find you feel dizzy when you stand up. If you frequently feel dizzy let your doctor know, as your captopril dose may need reducing.
What is the name of the diuretic that is in Capozide?
Capozide tablets contain captopril with a diuretic called hydrochlorothiazide. The combination of captopril and hydrochlorothiazide is sometimes known as co-zidocapt.
Why is captopril used for diabetics?
Captopril is used in diabetic kidney disease because it lowers high blood pressure (which can damage the kidneys) but also because it can reduce the loss of protein through the kidneys. It helps protect the kidneys and slow down the progression of the disease.
Does alcohol make you dizzy?
Although alcohol doesn' t directly affect the medicine itself, drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure lowering effect of captopril, which can make you more dizzy and more likely to faint. If you find captopril makes you feel dizzy it's best to avoid drinking alcohol. Also remember that alcohol can increase blood pressure and make heart failure worse, so it's important to minimise the amount of alcohol that you drink.
Can you take Lo Salt with Captopril?
You shouldn't use salt substitutes such as Lo-Salt while you're taking captopril. This is because these have a high content of potassium, which together with the captopril can make the amount of potassium in your blood rise too high.
Severe Interactions
These medications are not usually taken together. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation.
Serious Interactions
These medications may interact and cause very harmful effects. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation.
Moderate Interactions
These medications may cause some risk when taken together. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation.
Why do they test ACE inhibitors?
The researchers decided to test ACE inhibitors because these drugs inhibit the activity of a natural hormone involved in heart repair. The levels of this hormone are highest at night, causing the heart to enlarge and increasing the risk of cardiac damage in heart patients.
Why do heart medications work in the morning?
Many doctors recommend their patients take heart drugs in the morning with their breakfast, but a new study from Canada suggests that one group of drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, works best when taken at bedtime because they reduce the effect of a hormone that is most active during sleep.
Does ACE inhibitor work during sleep?
Martino said that giving the ACE inhibitor at sleep time fits in with the biological rhythm of the hormones. “By targeting those hormones when they’re highest during sleep, you’re dropping their levels so they’re not doing so much damage,” she added.
Does ACE inhibitor affect heart function?
The results showed that the mice that received ACE inhibitor at sleep time had improved heart function and their hearts were less enlarged compared to the mice that had received the drug at wake time and the mice given the placebo. These beneficial effects of the ACE inhibitor also correlated with diurnal changes in genetic expression ...
Does captopril cause heart failure?
For the study, Martino and colleagues used mice bred to have high blood pressure, and examined the effect of the short-acting ACE inhibitor, captopril, on the structure and function of the mice’s heart tissue, after the animals underwent surgery that put the heart under greater pressure, thus simulating the conditions that lead to heart failure.
Does ACE affect blood pressure?
These beneficial effects of the ACE inhibitor also correlated with diurnal changes in genetic expression of ACE in the heart. However, the ACE inhibitor led to similar drops in blood pressure at both sleep and wake time, suggesting that the time of day differences were not due to blood pressure changes, wrote the authors.
Can ACE inhibitors be used at night?
Martino said doctors switching to bedtime use of ACE inhibitors should also consider a short-acting version, because it’s not necessary to have it last longer than the night, and this may help reduce the side effects.
What is captopril?
Captopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What are the side effects of Captopril?
Captopril side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to captopril: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. high potassium - nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness, loss of movement; or.
Can you take Captopril with Aliskiren?
You may also need to avoid taking captopril with aliskiren if you have kidney disease. 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;
How to store a syringe?
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What does it mean when you have no urination?
little or no urination, 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 - nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness, loss of movement; or.
Does Captopril cause numbness?
Common captopril side effects may include: cough; flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet; loss of taste sensation; or. mild skin itching or rash. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Overview
Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
May Treat: Hypertension · Chronic heart failure · Diabetic nephropathy · Left ventricular dysfunction following MI
Brand Names: Capoten
Drug Class: ACE Inhibitors
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Do not use. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.
May Treat: Hypertension · Chronic heart failure · Diabetic nephropathy · Left ventricular dysfunction following MI
Brand Names: Capoten
Drug Class: ACE Inhibitors
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Do not use. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
FDA warning: Use during pregnancy
Other warnings
Why it’s used
How it works
- The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of...
More common side effects
Serious side effects
Sacubitril
High blood pressure drugs
Diuretics (water pill
Potassium supplements and potassium-based salts
Mood stabilizers
Pain drugs
Drugs to prevent organ transplant rejection
Gold
Allergy warning
Warnings for people with kidney disease
Warnings for other groups
Drug forms and strengths
Dosage for high blood pressure
Dosage for heart failure
Dosage for left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack
Dosage for diabetic nephropathy
Special dosage considerations
General
Storage
Refills
- Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)
Typical starting dosage: 25 mg taken 2 to 3 times per day. - Dosage increases: If needed, after 7 to 14 days, your doctor may increase your dosage to 50 m…
Child dosage (ages 0 to 17 years)
Travel
Self-management
Clinical monitoring
Hidden costs