Health Library

Captopril (By mouth)

Captopril (KAP-toe-pril)

Treats high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney problems caused by diabetes. Also reduces the risk of death after a heart attack. This medicine is an ACE inhibitor.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine 1 hour before meals.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes.
• Do not use this medicine together with sacubitril. Do not use this medicine and sacubitril/valsartan within 36 hours of each other.
• Some foods and medicines may affect how captopril works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Aliskiren, everolimus, gold injection, lithium, sirolimus, temsirolimus
  • Another blood pressure medicine, including an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) or a beta-blocker
  • Diuretic (water pill, including amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene)
  • Nitrates
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart valve problems, diabetes, or an autoimmune disorder (including lupus or scleroderma).
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Angioedema (severe swelling), including head, neck, and intestinal swelling
  • Low blood pressure
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
• This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
• Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, cloudy urine, swelling in your feet or lower legs
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, sore throat, body aches
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry cough

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024