CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15/CDRT.iso/dp/0306/03063.txt

Text File | 1994-01-18 | 6.0 KB | 141 lines

$Unique_ID{BRK03063}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{captopril}
$Subject{Capoten Bristol-Myers Squibb Antihypertensive captopril high blood
pressure congestive heart failure vasodilator dilates blood vessels production
chemicals constricting narrowing}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Capoten*0306301.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


captopril
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Capoten (Bristol-Myers Squibb)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antihypertensive

INGREDIENT

     captopril

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)

STORAGE

     Captopril should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart
failure.  It is a vasodilator (it dilates the blood vessels) that acts by
blocking the production of chemicals that may be responsible for constricting
or narrowing blood vessels.

TREATMENT

     To obtain maximum benefit from captopril, you should take it on an empty
stomach one hour before meals.  In order to become accustomed to taking this
medication, try to take it at the same time(s) every day.
     It may be several weeks before you notice the full effects of this
medication.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.
     Captopril does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help control the
condition as long as you continue to take this drug.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth,
fatigue, flushing, headache, insomnia, loss of taste, loss of appetite,
nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts
to the medication.
     This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To relieve mouth dryness, suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy or
chew sugarless gum.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain; chills; difficult or painful urination; fever; itching; mouth
sores; palpitations; prolonged vomiting or diarrhea; rash; sore throat;
swelling of the face, hands, or feet; tingling in the fingers or toes; unusual
bleeding or bruising; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Captopril interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Diuretics (water pills) and other antihypertensive medications can
cause an excessive drop in blood pressure when combined with captopril
(especially with the first dose).
     2. The combination of captopril with spironolactone, triamterene,
amiloride, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes can lead to hyperkalemia
(dangerously high levels of potassium in the bloodstream).
     3. Antineoplastic agents (anticancer drugs) or chloramphenicol can
increase the bone marrow side effects of captopril.
     4. Concurrent use of captopril and allopurinol can increase the risk of
developing an allergic reaction.
     5. Indomethacin can decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
captopril.
     6. Captopril can delay the body's elimination of lithium.  Concurrent use
of captopril and lithium may cause lithium toxicity.
     Before starting captopril, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any drugs
you are taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any reactions you have had to medications,
especially to captopril or enalapril.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had aortic
stenosis, blood disorders, kidney disease, kidney transplant, liver disease,
systemic lupus erythematosus, or a heart attack or stroke.
     * Be careful--excessive perspiration, dehydration, or prolonged vomiting
or diarrhea can lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure while you are
taking this medication.  Contact your doctor if you have any of these
symptoms.
     * Before having surgery or other medical or dental treatment, tell your
doctor you are taking this drug.
     * The first few doses of this drug may cause dizziness.  Try to avoid any
sudden changes in posture.
     * If you have high blood pressure, do not take any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medications for weight control, or for allergy, asthma,
sinus, cough, or cold problems unless you first check with your doctor.
     * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first consult your
doctor.  Stopping this drug abruptly may lead to a rise in blood pressure.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Captopril has been
found to cause birth defects in the fetus if taken during the second or third
trimester of pregnancy.  Also tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an
infant.  Captopril passes into breast milk.  The effects of this drug on the
infant have not been determined.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.