Capoten
Captopril
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Capoten
Capoten is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medicine. ACE is important in formation of angiotensin II, which causes constriction of blood vessels mainly arteries and increase blood pressure. ACE inhibitors like Capoten (Captopril) reduce blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, which causes relaxation or arteries. If arteries are relaxed it not only lower blood pressure, but it also improves the pumping efficacy of the heart and improve cardiac output of the failing heart without increasing the the oxygen demand much.
Therapeutic Uses of Capoten
Capoten is used in the treatment of high blood pressure either alone or in combination with other anti hypertensive. If combined with other antihypertensive, it is usually combined with a diuretic (that causes increased production of urine and remove extra fluid) like hydrochlorothiazide. Capoten reduces the resistance of the arteries and this property can be used in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Capoten acts as supplement for other medicines in treatment of congestive heart failure like diuretic and digoxin (Lanoxin). Capoten is very useful in treating after heart attack in improving functioning of the damaged heart. Capoten is also used in the treatment of kidney disease with diabetes.
Direction of use of Capoten
Capoten should be taken one hour before meal on empty stomach. If you are taking antacids that contain aluminium or magnesium, Capoten should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking antacids or take antacid 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking Capoten.
Dose of Capoten, if Missed
If you miss a dose of Capoten take it as soon as you can remember it. Do not take 2 doses of Capoten at a time. If you miss for very long time and it is almost time for the next dose than skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing as usual.
How to Store Capoten
Capoten should be stored at room temperature away from heat, moisture and light. Keep Capoten away from reach of the children.
More Information About Capoten
If you are taking Capoten for long time you should keep it refilled before it runs out of stock and store it properly. Do not share Capoten with anybody and for any other medical condition other than your doctor’s advice. It should be taken by the patient for whom it is prescribed.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Capoten
Warnings and precautions:
- Do not take Capoten if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients or any other ACE inhibitors.
- Do not use Capoten during pregnancy; it may cause fetal and newborn death. Consult your doctor immediately if you think you are pregnant. It is secreted in breast milk so you should not breast feed your baby while on Capoten.
- Do not take Capoten more than recommended by your doctor. Do not stop taking Capoten without consulting your doctor, because it may take few weeks to get the maximum benefit.
- Capoten can cause dizziness, fainting or light headedness. These effects may be more if you take alcohol or certain medicines. If you get dizziness stand or sit up slowly. You should not drive, operate machinery or do risky works that require constant attention till you are sure that you do not get confirmed that you don’t get dizziness with Capoten.
- If you have to undergo surgical procedure, dental procedure, emergency care or major lab test, tell your doctor that you are taking Capoten.
- Capoten can interfere with some lab results; tell your doctor that you are on Capoten if you have to do some lab tests.
- Monitoring of the treatment with Capoten is done by liver function test, kidney function test, blood electrolytes, blood count and blood pressure. The same tests can be used for monitoring side effects also.
- Capoten can cause sensitivity to sun and you should avoid exposure to sun, tanning booths, sunlamps. Use a sunscreen, protective clothing if you have to go out to sun.
- Capoten may lower your immunity to infection and try to prevent infection by avoiding people with cold or other infection. Do not pick your nose or touch your eyes unless your hands are cleaned first properly.
- Take lots of fluids if you are doing exercise or other physical activity that cause sweating.
- If you suffer from tightness in chest, difficulty in breathing, hives, rash, swelling in eyelids, face etc. consult your doctor immediately and stop taking the medicine; do not start it again unless your doctor ask you to restart.
- As children and elderly people are more sensitive to this medicine; it should be used with caution in them.
- If you have to use salt substitute or other medicine that contain potassium in it, consult your doctor before using it. If you take any other medicines either prescribed or over the counter medicine, inform your doctor.
Possible Adverse Effects
- Common side effects of Capoten are cough, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, change in taste, lightheadedness etc. If they become troublesome, consult your doctor.
- Consult your doctor if you experience side effects like lightheadedness or fainting, fast and/or irregular heartbeat, prolonged vomiting, prolonged diarrhea, a reduction in quantity of urine, unusual joint pain, unusual muscle pain, muscle cramp, generalized weakness.
- Get medical attention immediately if you suffer from any of the side effects like swelling of legs, hands, face, trunk etc. pain in chest, stomach or abdominal pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in breathing, sore throat, dark color urine, fever etc.
- Allergic reactions to Capoten are uncommon, but if you get allergic reaction to it, consult your doctor immediately. The symptoms of allergic reaction include itching, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling etc.
- If you have any problem that is not listed above than consult your doctor for advice.