GENERIC NAME: CAPTOPRIL - ORAL (KAP-toe-pril)

BRAND NAME(S): Capoten

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm (possibly death) if used during the last 6 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

USES: This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. This medication is also used to improve survival after an acute heart attack, help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes, and with other drugs (e.g., "water pills"/diuretics, digoxin) to treat congestive heart failure.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually two to three times a day; or as directed by your doctor. Take this drug on an empty stomach, one hour before a meal. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeats. Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 2 to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug occurs or several weeks to months when used for congestive heart failure. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

ACE Inhibitors - Defines ACE inhibitors: medications that slow the activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects. Source:MedicineNet Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss. Source:MedicineNet ramipril, Altace - Explains the medication ramipril (Altace) a drug used for the treatment of heart failure, and high blood pressure (hypertension). Treatment also prevents heart attacks, strokes and deaths due to heart disease. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects. Source:MedicineNet Read 48 more captopril related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection