Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Captopril is in a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. Captopril lowers blood pressure and also relieves symptoms of fluid retention.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and captopril is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Hydrochlorothiazide and captopril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or captopril, or if you have a history of asthma or allergies, or you are unable to urinate.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

Before taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or are on dialysis), liver disease, glaucoma, congestive heart failure, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

Do not use hydrochlorothiazide and captopril if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril, unless your doctor has told you to.

Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or captopril, or if you have:

• a history of asthma or allergies; or

• if you are unable to urinate.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to any other ACE inhibitor, such as benazepril (Lotensin), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik).

To make sure you can safely take hydrochlorothiazide and captopril, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• liver disease;

• glaucoma;

• congestive heart failure;

• gout;

• lupus;

• diabetes; or

• an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use hydrochlorothiazide and captopril if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control while taking hydrochlorothiazide and captopril.

Hydrochlorothiazide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.