CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE

Drug Name: CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE

CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE DESCRIPTION:
CAPTOPRIL WITH THIAZIDE - ORAL (KAP-toe-pril WITH THIGH-uh-zide)

COMMON CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE BRAND NAME(S):
Capozide

CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, loss of taste, flushing, fatigue, cough or increased urination may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE can increase sensitivity to sunlight. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, tingling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin, persistent sore throat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE:
CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE: CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE should be taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after a meal. Take CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Consult your doctor before using salt substitutes or low salt milk. It is important to continue taking CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE WARNING:
CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE and immediately contact your physician.

CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE USES:
Captopril prevents certain enzymes in the body from narrowing blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure and makes the heart beat stronger. Thiazides are "water pills" (diuretics) that help reduce blood pressure. CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE is used to treat high blood pressure.

CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver, kidney or heart problems, urinary problems, diabetes, allergies (especially allergies to sulfa drugs). The hydrochlorothiazide in this product may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you become sun sensitive, use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Limit your intake of alcohol and use caution when exercising and during hot weather because these factors may increase the risk of dizziness. CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last six months of the pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicine you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of: lithium, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing water pills, anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen), digoxin. Avoid drugs that may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in cough-and-cold medicines. Read drug labels carefully. If you are uncertain your drug products increase heart rate, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you take colestipol or cholestyramine, take this medicine 1 hour before or 4 hours after the cholesterol-lowering medicine so they do not decrease the absorption of CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, fainting, and weakness.

CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor.

MISSED CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

CAPTOPRIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.