What is captopril?
Captopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme.
Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, kidney problems caused by diabetes, and to improve survival after a heart attack.
Captopril may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about captopril?
Do not use captopril if you are pregnant. Captopril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of captopril.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking 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 captopril. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking captopril?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to captopril or 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 captopril, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
liver disease;
heart disease or congestive heart failure;
diabetes; or
a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use captopril if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Captopril can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking captopril.
Captopril can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using captopril.