CAPOTEN (CAPTOPRIL)

Capoten Description

Capoten or generic Captopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drug that may be prescribed to those with hypertension, heart failure, and to prevent kidney failure that can occur from having high blood pressure or diabetes. Hypertension is when the force of blood on your artery walls is strong enough to cause damage and your heart struggles to supply other organs and tissues with a healthy blood supply. The generic alternative is not made by the company that manufactures the brand product.

Most people are not even aware they have high blood pressure until they are diagnosed through a regular doctor’s exam or you have a heart attack or stroke. You don’t have to let it get this far if you take action to avoid these health risks. Eat healthier, exercise, quit smoking, and see your doctor regularly.

How This ACE Inhibitor Works in Your Body

When taken as directed, Capoten reduces the activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme so it cannot convert the protein called angiotensin I into angiotensin II, which usually works to regulate your blood pressure through constricting your blood vessels as needed but can overdo it because of stress, obesity, genetics, or other medical conditions. Capoten dilates your blood vessels to improve the flow to take the strain off of your heart and also decrease sodium and water retention in your kidneys by increasing your urine output.

Conditions Treated by Capoten

Heart failure can develop if your heart has become damaged by a previous heart attack or other medical condition. This means your heart is not strong enough to supply a sufficient blood flow to the rest of your body, especially during times of stress or when there’s an increase in your activity. Capoten will help to widen your blood vessels as your heart muscle contracts to pump blood out into your body and allows it to fill up adequately while resting between beats.

It’s hard to imagine that hypertension shows no warnings signs despite the fact it can cause so much damage over time. If you find yourself in what is called a hypertensive crisis, you will experience symptoms such as severe headaches and anxiety, nosebleeds, and a shortness of breath. In a case such as this, you require immediate medical assistance.

Before You Take Capoten

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast feeding ask your doctor if taking Capoten may be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. Talk to your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any OTC or Rx medications you are on, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. This will help your doctor to determine if Capoten is safe for you to take.

Capoten Precautions and Proper Use

Because Capoten increases your sodium and fluid output, you may become dehydrated unless you drink plenty of water each day. If you are scheduled for any surgical procedures, tell the medical staff that you are taking Capoten as you may be required to stop taking it for a short period of time. Keep track of your blood pressure so your doctor can decide if your dose of Capoten needs adjusting.

Possible Side Effects of Capoten

• Cough
• Mild rash
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Numbness or burning pain in your feet or hands