How should this medicine be used?
Captopril comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two or three times a day on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take captopril exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Captopril controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them.
Continue to take captopril even if you feel well. Do not stop taking captopril without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking captopril,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to captopril or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially diuretics ('water pills'), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), other medications for high blood pressure, potassium supplements, and vitamins.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease or diabetes.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking captopril.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these instructions 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 are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
* dizziness or lightheadedness
* salty or metallic taste, or decreased ability to taste
* cough
* sore throat
* fever
* mouth sores
* unusual bruising
* fast heartbeat
* excessive tiredness
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 or swallowing
* fainting
* rash
