Rinfocan- Prescription Drug Information for Canadians
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CAPTOPRIL
(Generic Name)
BRAND NAME
Capoten, 12.5 mg
Capoten, 25 mg
Capoten, 50 mg
Capoten, 100 mg
TYPE OF DRUG
Antihypertensive; ACE inhibitor.
PRESCRIBED FOR
High blood pressure or congestive heart failure. Low doses may be used to treat mild
to moderate high blood pressure. Captopril may be taken alone or together with a
diuretic drug. Captopril is widely used in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Captopril has been studied as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This drug was the first member of a class of drugs, called the ACE inhibitors, that work
by preventing the conversion of a potent hormone called Angiotensin 1. This directly
affects the production of other hormones and enzymes that participate in the regulation
of blood pressure. The effect is to lower blood pressure relatively quickly, within 1 to
1 1/2 hours after taking the medicine. Captopril plays a role in treating heart failure
because it dilates (opens) blood vessels and eases the work of the heart.
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
This drug can cause kidney disease, especially loss of protein in the urine. Patients
should have the amount of protein in their urine measured during the first month and
monthly for a few months afterward. The drug can also cause reduction in the
white-blood-cell count, and this can result in increased susceptibility to infection.
Captopril should be used with caution by people who have kidney disease or diseases
of the immune/collagen system (particularly lupus erythematosus) or who have taken
other drugs that affect the white-blood-cell count.
PREGNANCY/BREAST-FEEDING
Animal studies show that Captopril may cause birth defects. Women who are, or might
become, pregnant while taking Captopril should discuss the matter thoroughly with
their doctor.
Captopril passes into breast milk in concentrations about 1 percent of those found in
blood. The effect of this drug on nursing infants is not known.
SENIORS
Older adults may be less sensitive to the blood-pressure-lowering effects of Captopril
than younger adults, but they may be more sensitive to drug side effects. Dosage
must be individualized to your needs.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Possible side effects include rash (usually mild), itching, fever, loss of taste perception
(which usually returns in 2 to 3 months), and gastric irritation.
Less common side effects are those on the kidney, including protein in the urine,
kidney failure, excessive or frequent urination, and reduction in the amount of urine
produced; adverse effect on the blood system, especially white blood cells; swelling of
the face, mucous membranes of the mouth, or arms and legs, and flushing or pale color
of skin. Captopril may also cause low blood pressure and adverse effects on the heart
(chest pain, abnormal heartbeats, spasms of blood vessels, heart failure).
DRUG INTERACTIONS
The blood pressure effect of Captopril is additive with diuretic drugs. Some other
hypertensive drugs can cause severe blood pressure drops when used with large
amounts of Captopril. They should be used with extreme caution. Beta-adrenergic
blocking drugs may add some blood-pressure-lowering effect to Captopril.
Captopril may increase serum potassium, especially if given with potassium-sparing
diuretics and/or potassium supplements.
Avoid over-the-counter cough, cold, and allergy remedies containing drugs that may
aggravate your condition.
Aspirin or Indomethacin may decrease or completely abolish the
blood-pressure-lowering effect of Captopril.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Do not take this medicine with food or meals. It must be taken at least 1 hour before or
2 hours after meals.
USUAL DOSE
Adult: 75 milligrams per day to start. Dose may be increased up to 450 milligrams per
day, if needed. The dose of this medicine must be tailored to your needs.
Child: about 0.15 milligrams per pound of body weight 3 times a day.
People with poor kidney function have to take less medicine.
OVERDOSAGE
The primary effect of Captopril overdosage is very low blood pressure. A person who
has taken a Captopril overdose must be taken to a hospital emergency room for
treatment. ALWAYS bring the medicine bottle with you.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Call your doctor if you develop fever, sore throat, mouth sores, abnormal heartbeat, or
chest pain or if you have persistent rash, or loss of taste perception.
This drug may cause dizziness when you rise quickly from sitting or lying down.
Avoid strenuous exercise and/or very hot weather because heavy sweating and/or
dehydration can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure.
If you are taking this medicine for high blood pressure, be certain to avoid
nonprescription drugs such as diet pills, decongestants, and stimulants that can raise
blood pressure.
Do not abruptly stop taking this medication. If you forget to take a dose, do not double
your next dose. Skip the forgotten dose and go back to your regular dose schedule.
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