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ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE) INHIBITORS
ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE) INHIBITORS
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ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE) INHIBITORS
BRAND & GENERIC NAMES
Captopril
Capoten
EnalaVasotec
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? No
Drug class: Antihypertensive, ACE inhibitor
(see Drugs Glossary)
USES
Treatment for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Tablet -- Swallow with liquid. Instructions to take on empty
stomach mean 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
When to take:
At the same times each day, usually 2-3 times daily. Take first
dose at bedtime and lie down immediately.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2
hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
Reduces resistance in arteries.
Strengthens heartbeat.
Time lapse before drug works:
60 to 90 minutes.
Don't take with:
Any other medicines, even over-the-counter drugs such as cough
and cold medicines, nose drops, diet pills, laxatives or
caffeine, without consulting your doctor.
OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS:
Low blood pressure.
WHAT TO DO:
Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or
medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
See EMERGENCY INFORMATION.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
SYMPTOMS WHAT TO DO
Life-threatening:
Hives, rash, intense Seek emergency
itching, faintness treatment immediately.
soon after a dose
(anaphylaxis);
difficulty breathing.
Common:
Rash, loss of taste. Discontinue. Call doctor right
away.
Infrequent:
Swelling of mouth, Discontinue. Seek
face, hands or feet. emergency treatment.
Dizziness, fainting, Discontinue. Call
chest pain, fast or doctor right away.
irregular heartbeat,
coughing.
Rare:
Sore throat, cloudy Discontinue. Call
urine, fever, chills. doctor right away.
Nausea, vomiting, Continue. Call doctor
indigestion, when convenient.
abdominal pain.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
You are allergic to any ACE inhibitor.
You have any autoimmune disease, including AIDS or lupus.
You are receiving blood from a blood bank.
You take drugs for cancer.
You will have surgery within 2 months, including dental
surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have had a stroke.
If you have angina or heart or blood-vessel disease.
If you have high level of potassium in blood.
If you have kidney disease.
If you are on severe salt-restricted diet.
If you have lupus.
Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.
Infants & children:
Don't give to infants or young children unless prescribed and
monitored by your physician.
Prolonged use:
May decrease white cells in blood or cause protein loss in
urine. Request periodic laboratory blood counts and urine tests.
Skin & sunlight:
No age-related problems expected.
Driving or hazardous activities:
Avoid if you become dizzy or faint. Otherwise, no problems
expected.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require
gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses
of other drugs may also require adjustment.
Others:
Stop taking diuretics or increase salt intake 1 week before
starting captopril.
Avoid exercising in hot weather.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
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| Amiloride |
Possible excessive potassium in |
| blood. |
| Antihypertensives |
Increased antihypertensive |
| (other, see |
effect. Dosage of each may |
| Drugs Glossary) |
may require adjustment. |
| Beta-adrenergic |
Increased antihypertensive |
| blockers (see |
effect. |
| Drugs Glossary) |
Dosage of each may require |
| adjustment. |
| Chloramphenicol |
Possible blood disorders. |
| Diuretics |
Possible severe |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
blood-pressure drop with first |
| |
dose. |
| Enalapril |
Possible excessive blood-pressure |
| |
drop. |
| Guanfacine |
Increased effect of both drugs. |
| Nitrates |
Possible excessive blood-pressure |
| |
drop. |
| Non-steroidal |
Decreased ACE |
| anti-inflammatory |
inhibitor effect. |
| drugs (NSAIDs, see |
| Drugs Glossary) |
| Pentoxifylline |
Increased antihypertensive effect. |
| Potassium |
Possible increased |
| supplements |
potassium in blood. |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
| Spironolactone |
Possible excessive potassium in |
| |
blood. |
| Triamterene |
Possible excessive potassium in |
| |
blood. |
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
| Marijuana: |
Increased dizziness. |
| Tobacco: |
May decrease ACE inhibitor effect. |
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From Complete Guide to Pediatric Symptoms, Illness & Medications by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Putnam Publishing
Group. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
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