MedlinePlus Drug Information: Captopril and Hydrochlorothiazide

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Captopril and Hydrochlorothiazide

(kap' toe pril) (hye droe klor oh thye' a zide)

Brand name(s): Capozide

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know?

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Do not take captopril and hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking captopril and hydrochlorothiazide, call your doctor immediately.

Why is this medication prescribed?

The combination of captopril and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure. It is a combination of two medications. Captopril, an angiostensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, decreases certain chemicals that tighten blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently. Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic ('water pill'), causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Captopril and hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two to three times a day on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take captopril and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

The combination of captopril and hydrochlorothiazide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take captopril and hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking captopril and hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking captopril and hydrochlorothiazide,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to captopril, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, benazepril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially allopurinol (Zyloprim); amphetamines (medicines for pain); amphotericin B (Fungizone); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve); calcium supplements; capsaicin (Capsin, Zostrix); corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others), betamethasone (Celestone), cortisone (Cortone), dexamethasone (Decadron, others), hydrocortisone, methylprednisdone (Medrol, Solu-Medrol, others); corticotropin; diabetes medications; diazoxide (Hyperstat); digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics ('water pills') such as bendroflumethiazide (Naturetin), benzthiazide (Exna), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton), hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril), hydroflumethiazide (Diucardin), indapamide (Lozol), methyclothiazide (Enduron), metolazone (Zaroxolyn), polythiazide (Renese), quinethazone (Hydromox), trichlormethiazide, metahydrin (Naqua), bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), furosemide (Lasix), and torsemide (Demedex); doxazosin (Cardura); guanadrel (Hylorel); guanethidine (Ismelin); heart medications (nitroglycerin); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate); other medications for high blood pressure; potassium supplements; prazosin (Minipress); probenecid (Benemid), reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil); terazosin (Hytrin); and vitamins and herbal products. If you are taking cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 1 hour after captopril and hydrochlorothiazide.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high cholesterol or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); heart, liver, thyroid, parathyroid, or kidney disease; difficulty urinating; gout; or diabetes.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking captopril and hydrochlorothiazide.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not operate machinery until you know how captopril and hydrochlorothiazide will affect you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Captopril and hydrochlorothiazide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Captopril and hydrochlorothiazide should be taken 1 hour before meals.Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow those directions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from captopril and hydrochlorothiazide are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dizziness or lightheadedness
headache
excessive tiredness
weakness
cough
abdominal pain
upset stomach
vomiting
constipation
diarrhea
blurred vision
itching
decreased sexual ability or interest
muscle weakness or cramps
thirst
loss of appetite
hair loss
difficulty sleeping
numbness or tingling of the skin

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

chest pain
swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
difficulty breathing
difficulty swallowing
fainting
fast heartbeat
rash
sore throat with fever
unusual bleeding or bruising
infection
yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

drowsiness
coma
difficulty breathing
stomach pain

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to captopril and hydrochlorothiazide, and blood tests should be done occasionally.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking captopril and hydrochlorothiazide.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer