GENERIC NAME: captopril

BRAND NAME: Capoten

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: 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 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.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PREPARATIONS: tablets: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg.

STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: 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. Capozide is an example of a medication that combines the effect of captopril with a diuretic (water pill). By reducing resistance in the arteries, captopril can be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure. In treating heart failure, captopril usually supplements conventional treatment, including a diuretic and digoxin (Lanoxin). After a heart attack, captopril has been found to be effective in improving functioning of the damaged heart. It is also used to treat kidney disease associated with diabetes.

DOSING: Should be taken on an empty stomach one hour before meals.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Captopril should not be taken by people with a known allergy to ACE inhibitors. Swelling of the facial tissues and even the upper airways has been reported with ACE inhibitors on very rare occasions, and can lead to serious breathing difficulties. Captopril can interact with diuretics (water pills) and other blood pressure medicines to cause an excessive drop in blood pressure, which can cause symptoms of weakness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Impairment of kidney function has been reported with ACE inhibitors, especially in patients with severe heart failure or pre-existing kidney disease. Combining captopril with potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, and potassium-conserving diuretics such as amiloride (Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyazide, Maxzide), can lead to dangerously high blood levels of potassium. Indomethacin (Indocin) and possibly other anti-inflammatory medications may decrease the blood pressure lowering effect of captopril.

In rare instances, low white blood cell counts have been reported with the use of captopril. Low white blood cells increase the patient's risk of infections. Anticancer drugs or chloramphenicol taken with captopril can increase the chance of having a low blood cell count. When taken with lithium , captopril can increase lithium to toxic levels in the blood. Safe use in children is not established. It is not habit forming.

PREGNANCY: ACE inhibitors, including captopril, can be harmful to the fetus and should not be taken by pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is also avoided in nursing mothers.

SIDE EFFECTS: Captopril is generally well tolerated and side effects are usually mild and transient. A dry, persistent cough has been reported with the use of captopril and other ACE inhibitors. Coughing resolves after discontinuing the medication. Other side effects are rare and include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, loss of taste, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, chest pain, chills, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness or fainting, fever, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, rash, and a sore or swollen throat. In rare instances, liver dysfunction and skin yellowing (jaundice) have been reported with ACE inhibitors.

How to Order  |  Price List  |  Refill Orders  |  Order Tracking
Home  |  About Us  |  Contact Us  |  FAQ

Buy cheap canadian prescriptions from a Canadian Internet Pharmacy leader. cheap online pharmacy canadian pharmacy prescription drugs online discount medicine pharmacies online mail order prescription medication canadian online pharmacy search for online drugs canada pharmacies discount canadian medication drugstore Plavix Fosamax Lipitor Celebrex Actonel Flomax Glucophage Premarin Prevacid Evista .