Capoten (Captopril) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Capoten is also used to improve survival after a heart attack and to protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes in patients with type 1 diabetes and retinopathy (eye disease). Treating high blood pressure reduces the risk of heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. Capoten is often used with lifestyle modifications to control blood pressure. These modifications may include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and eating a low-fat and salt diet. The active ingredient in Capoten is Captopril. Captopril belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing the chemicals that tighten the blood vessels so blood can flow freely and the heart can pump more blood.

Manufacturer Information

Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Capoten. The most common side effects of Capoten may include the following:
• Burning pain, numbness, or tingling in hands or feet;
• Cough;
• Dizziness;
• Flushing;
• Loss of taste sensation;
• Mild rash or skin itching

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Chest pain;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Light-headedness;
• Little to no urination;
• Nausea;
• Painful mouth sores;
• Shortness of breath;
• Slow or unusual heart rate;
• Sore throat;
• Sudden weakness;
• Urinating more than usual

These are not all of the side effects of Captopril. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

You should not take Capoten if you are allergic to Captopril, any ingredient in Capoten, or other ACE inhibitors. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are having surgery;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have connective tissue diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, or Marfan syndrome;
• Have diabetes;
• Have had an organ transplant;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have liver disease

Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Capoten and other medicines, including aliskiren, aldesleukin, antacids like calcium carbonate, antipsychotics like chlorpromazine, etc. Avoid metformin, morphine, tretinoin, or lithium with Captopril. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. You should not take this drug during pregnancy. Capoten may cause injury or death to an unborn baby if taken during the second or third trimester. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. This drug passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Use Captopril precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Capoten is usually taken 1 hour before meals. Drink plenty of water each day while taking this drug. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Capoten. This drug may lower your blood pressure and make you feel light-headed. Diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive sweating may cause dehydration and increase your risk of light-headedness. Contact your doctor if you feel your blood pressure is too low. Do not drink alcohol while using this drug. Alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and increase the side effects of Capoten. Keep Capoten and all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Check out our latest Blog Post