CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (KAP-toe-pril/HYE-droe-KLOR-oh-THYE-a-zide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Capozide

GENERIC NAME(S): captopril/hydrochlorothiazide

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This product contains two medications, captopril and hydrochlorothiazide. Captopril belongs to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is a "water pill" (diuretic). This drug increases the amount of urine you make, causing your body to get rid of extra salt and water.


How to use CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach one hour before a meal, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. It is best to avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of your bedtime to avoid having to get up to urinate. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent losing too much body water (dehydration). If you are on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions. If you are also taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take captopril/hydrochlorothiazide at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after either of those drugs. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. The manufacturer recommends that daily doses should not be more than 150 milligrams of captopril and 50 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not skip doses or stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to 6-8 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, headache, tiredness, blurred vision, loss of taste, or dry cough may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. You may also experience decreased sexual ability. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This product may cause a loss of too much body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss, including: extreme thirst, very dry mouth, muscle cramps/weakness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, confusion. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), numbness/tingling/swelling of the hands/feet, muscle/joint aches, decrease in vision, eye pain. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent tiredness, persistent nausea/vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat/arms/legs), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either captopril or hydrochlorothiazide; or to other ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril); or to other thiazides (e.g., chlorothiazide); or if you have any other allergies (including an allergic reaction after exposure to certain membranes used for blood filtering). This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a history of an allergic reaction that included swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat (angioedema), an inability to make urine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver disease, gout, untreated salt/mineral imbalance (e.g., imbalance of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium), loss of too much body water (dehydration), collagen vascular disease (e.g., lupus, scleroderma), recent nerve surgery (e.g., sympathectomy). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. You can develop dehydration if you do not drink enough fluids or if you have too much diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating. This can cause dizziness and lightheadedness due to low blood pressure. Avoid heavy exercise, and keep cool in hot weather. Contact your doctor if you are unable to drink fluids or if you have persistent diarrhea or vomiting. This product may affect your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. If you have diabetes, hydrochlorothiazide may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and change in the amount of urine (kidney problems). This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk for harm to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.) This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use and Precautions sections. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: aliskiren, cisapride, diazoxide, dofetilide, certain drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as everolimus, sirolimus), lithium, probenecid, drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as ARBs including losartan/valsartan, birth control pills containing drospirenone), other "water pills" (diuretics such as amiloride, furosemide, triamterene), gold injections, sacubitril. A very serious reaction may occur if you are getting injections for bee/wasp sting allergy (desensitization) and are also taking captopril with hydrochlorothiazide. Make sure all your doctors know which medicines you are using. Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen). This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, weakness, fainting.

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Faq for CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

Captopril/Hydrochlorothiazide is a combination medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Captopril is an ACE inhibitor that helps relax blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that helps your body get rid of excess water and salt, which also helps lower blood pressure.

Common side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry cough, diarrhea, nausea, and increased urination.

You should take Captopril/Hydrochlorothiazide exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Typically, it is taken once or twice a day with or without food. Follow the instructions on your prescription label and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is generally advised to avoid alcohol while taking Captopril/Hydrochlorothiazide, as alcohol can worsen certain side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication in lowering blood pressure.

Captopril/Hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters. It may cause harm to an unborn baby and can even be fatal. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about alternative medications.

It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as they may interact with Captopril/Hydrochlorothiazide. Certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), lithium, and potassium supplements may interact with this medication.

The effects of Captopril/Hydrochlorothiazide can vary from person to person. However, you may start to notice improvements in your blood pressure within a few weeks of starting the medication. It is important to continue taking it as prescribed, even if you feel well. Note: It is vital to consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist for personalized information regarding your specific medication and health condition.


Warning

WARNING: This drug can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.