Captopril

About Captopril

This belongs to the group of medicines known as ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors).

Captopril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and is also sometimes given to people who have suffered from a heart attack.

Captopril works by causing blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. For this reason it is also sometimes used, alongside other medicines, to treat heart failure and circulation problems associated with diabetes.

Captopril is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Acepril; Capoten; Ecopace; Kaplon; Tensopril. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Captopril

Before taking Captopril make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast feeding
• if you suffer from kidney or liver disease or porphyria
• if you or anyone in your family has ever experienced angioedema (swelling of the tongue, lips, face and eyelids)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to Take Captopril

• Take Captopril exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably need to have blood tests to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Do not stop taking Captopril without speaking to your doctor first.
• Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium without speaking to your doctor first.
• Try to take Captopril at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. if you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Captopril contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Occasionally, dizziness or lightheadedness may occur, especially after the first dose of Captopril. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, operate machinery or do any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Before having any surgery, including dental surgery or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking this medicine.
• Captopril can sometimes cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Chest pain resulting from exercise or physical exertion may be prevented by this medicine, this may tempt you to do too much. Discuss this with your doctor if you intend to do a lot of exercise.
• Captopril may occasionally cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun. Whilst you are taking this medicine, avoid strong sunlight and sun beds and if you do go out in the sun apply a sun cream higher than factor 15.
• Try to avoid alcohol, as it will also affect your blood pressure. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you.

Can Captopril cause problems?

Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually go away as your body adjusts to the new medicine. if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome speak with your pharmacist or doctor.

Skin rashes, itching, fever and joint pain, weight loss, flushing (redness of the face), dry cough, a stuffy nose, sore throat, sore mouth, feeling or being sick, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, rapid pulse, tiredness, a funny taste in the mouth or pins and needles.

Important: Captopril can cause sudden swelling of the tongue, lips, face and eyelids. if this happens contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Captopril

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 19/08/2005