Brand name:

Capozide

Why is Capozide prescribed?

Capozide is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It combines an ACE inhibitor with a thiazide diuretic. Captopril, the ACE inhibitor, works by preventing a chemical in your blood called angiotensin I from converting into a more potent form that increases salt and water retention in your body. Captopril also enhances blood flow throughout your blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide, the diuretic, helps your body produce and eliminate more urine, which helps in lowering blood pressure.

Most important fact about Capozide

You must take Capozide regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Capozide; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Capozide does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Capozide?

Capozide should be taken 1 hour before meals. Take it exactly as prescribed. Stopping Capozide suddenly could cause your blood pressure to increase.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Capozide should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from moisture.

Capozide side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Capozide.

• Side effects may include:
  Itching, loss of taste, low blood pressure, rash

Why should Capozide not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to captopril, hydrochlorothiazide, other ACE inhibitors such as Vasotec, or other thiazide diuretics such as Diuril, or if you are sensitive to other sulfonamide-derived drugs, you should not take Capozide. If you have a history of angioedema (swelling of face, extremities, and throat) or inability to urinate, you should not take Capozide.

Special warnings about Capozide

If you develop swelling of your face around your lips, tongue, or throat, or in your arms and legs, or if you begin to have difficulty swallowing, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may need emergency treatment.

If you develop a sore throat or fever you should contact your doctor immediately. It could indicate a more serious illness.

If you are taking Capozide, your doctor will make a complete assessment of your kidney function and will continue to monitor it.

If you have impaired kidney function, Capozide should be used only if you have taken other blood pressure medications and your doctor has determined that the results were unsatisfactory.

If you have liver disease or a disease of the connective tissue called lupus erythematosus, Capozide should be used with caution. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice a yellowish color in your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you have congestive heart failure, you should be carefully watched for low blood pressure. You should not increase your physical activity too quickly.

Excessive sweating, dehydration, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could deplete your fluids and cause your blood pressure to become too low. Be careful when exercising and in hot weather.

This drug should be used with caution if you are on dialysis. There have been reports of extreme allergic reactions during dialysis in people taking ACE-inhibitor medications such as Capozide. Your odds of an allergic reaction also increase if you are being desensitized with bee venom while you are taking Capozide.

While taking Capozide, do not use potassium-sparing diuretics (such as Moduretic), potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor first.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Capozide

Capozide may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Capozide.

If Capozide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Capozide with the following:

Antigout drugs such as Zyloprim
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital or Seconal
Calcium
Cardiac glycosides such as Lanoxin
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone)
Diabetes medications such as Micronase and Insulin
Diazoxide (Proglycem)
Heart medications such as Lanoxin
Lithium (Lithonate)
MAO inhibitors (antidepressants such as Nardil)
Methenamine (Mandelamine)
Narcotics such as Percocet
Nitroglycerin or other nitrates such as Transderm-Nitro
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Naprosyn
Norepinephrine (Levophed)
Oral blood thinners such as Coumadin
Other blood pressure drugs such as Hytrin and Minipress
Potassium-sparing diuretics such as Moduretic
Potassium supplements such as Slow K
Probenecid (Benemid)
Salt substitutes containing potassium
Sulfinpyrazone (Anturane)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

ACE inhibitors such as Capozide have been shown to cause injury and even death to the developing baby when used in pregnancy during the second or third trimesters. If you are pregnant your doctor should discontinue your use of Capozide as soon as possible. If you plan to become pregnant and are taking Capozide, contact your doctor immediately to discuss the potential hazard to your unborn child. Capozide appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Capozide is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage for Capozide

ADULTS

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• The symptoms of Capozide overdose may include:
  Coma, lethargy, low blood pressure, sluggishness, stomach and intestinal irritation and hyperactivity